Author: Chris Harlan
4 WPIAL players withdraw from Big 33 Football Classic
March 7, 2021
Four WPIAL football players picked for the Big 33 Football Classic won’t take part because of college obligations, organizers for the high school all-star game announced.
Mars scores 24 consecutive points in WPIAL 5A quarterfinal win over Trinity
March 6, 2021
Zac Schlegel and his Mars teammates were reluctant to see the second quarter clock reach zeroes Saturday.
North Allegheny, Peters Township will host WPIAL basketball championships
North Allegheny and Peters Township, two of the area’s larger high school gyms, are expected to host all 12 WPIAL basketball championship games.
Union confusion leads Imani Christian basketball team on ride to wrong school
Sixty miles separate the Union Area High School near New Castle from Union High School in Rimersburg, but the districts with matching names continue to cause trouble for bus drivers.
Devin Carney’s buzzer-beating 3 lifts Butler past Penn-Trafford in OT
March 5, 2021
Ten times Butler’s Devin Carney had taken a shot from behind the arc Friday night and nine of them had missed. In fact, a potential winner at the end of regulation bounced hard off the rim.
After exploring college options, WPIAL to keep basketball finals in high school gyms
With gathering limits increased statewide, the WPIAL looked into renting a college venue for its basketball championships, but decided to use high school gyms as originally planned.
Ellwood City earns validation, upsets Avonworth in WPIAL Class 3A playoffs
There was nothing invalid about Monday’s playoff win, a 52-point preliminary-round victory that officially ended Ellwood City’s decade-long postseason drought.
PIAA says spring athletes can shed masks outdoors, if physical distancing possible
March 3, 2021
Spring sports athletes and coaches can shed their masks when outdoors, as long as they maintain 6 feet of physical distance, according to new PIAA guidelines for covid-19.
Seneca Valley tops Mt. Lebanon without its coach, earns 1st playoff win since ’13
March 2, 2021
With about 30 seconds until half, Mt. Lebanon decided to hold for the final shot, but Seneca Valley wasn’t in a wait-and-see mood.
WPIAL basketball playoffs to see increase in fans, possibly larger venue for finals
March 1, 2021
There will be more fans in the stands at WPIAL basketball playoff games this week after Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration Monday raised gathering limits on indoor events.
Trib HSSN boys basketball rankings: Feb. 28, 2021
February 28, 2021
Final regular-season rankings
Trib HSSN girls basketball rankings: Feb. 28, 2021
Final regular-season rankings
Opponents try, and fail, to knock North Allegheny top scorer off his game
February 27, 2021
North Allegheny’s Connor Chi occasionally gets cross-checked behind the play or hit a little late by an opponent trying to intimidate him on the ice.
Upper St. Clair tops Chartiers Valley in battle of No. 1 overall seeds
February 26, 2021
This would’ve been a scrimmage most years, tucked between the WPIAL pairings meeting and the playoff openers, but Upper St. Clair and Chartiers Valley played Friday night with purpose.
WPIAL cancels 2 preliminary-round playoff basketball games
February 25, 2021
The WPIAL on Thursday cancelled two playoff basketball games after the Ambridge girls and Propel Braddock Hills boys withdrew from the postseason.
WPIAL takes no action against Mt. Lebanon basketball coach for objecting to official
Mt. Lebanon boys basketball coach Joe David testified in a WPIAL hearing Thursday that he was uncomfortable with one of the officials assigned to his game last week, but insisted he never threatened to take his team and leave.
Breaking down the 2021 WPIAL boys basketball playoffs
February 23, 2021
Here is a breakdown of the 2020-21 WPIAL boys basketball playoffs:
In seeding basketball brackets, WPIAL asks: What have you done lately?
When it came time to seed the basketball playoff brackets, the WPIAL asked: What have you done lately?
Controversial finish sees Butler defeat North Allegheny, avenge 2 earlier losses
North Allegheny ran undefeated through its boys basketball section twice, but this winter’s quirky schedule included a third time through, much to NA’s dismay.
WPIAL: Gyms must have capacity of 700 or greater to host basketball playoff games
February 22, 2021
Some top seeds in the WPIAL basketball playoffs could find themselves playing on their opponent’s home floor this winter.
Trib HSSN boys basketball rankings: Feb. 21, 2021
Class 6A
North Allegheny seniors earn redemption with WPIBL championship
A couple of pins cost North Allegheny’s boys bowling team a title two seasons ago, so the Tigers made certain this year’s championship match wasn’t as close.
Rodney Gallagher’s winner lifts Laurel Highlands over Thomas Jefferson
February 19, 2021
Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher already has accomplished more than most sophomores, but the Mustangs star added two more firsts to his list.
25 basketball teams won’t participate in WPIAL’s open postseason tournament
February 18, 2021
Derry’s girls basketball team earned its way into the WPIAL playoffs last winter, but the one-win Trojans won’t go back this year.
Big 33 Football Classic goes ‘full-speed ahead,’ announces roster with 19 WPIAL players
The weather will be perfect for the Big 33 Football Classic, predicts Garry Cathell, executive director of the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association.
Schools must certify mask exemptions in writing before PIAA playoffs, not WPIALs
February 17, 2021
High school athletes must wear a mask during PIAA postseason competition unless their school certifies in writing that they qualify for a medical exemption.
Lincoln Park tops Quaker Valley in battle for section lead, will rematch Thursday
February 16, 2021
Brandin Cummings gave Lincoln Park the lead with a gutsy 3-pointer in the closing minutes, made two clutch free throws in the final seconds and led his team in scoring for the third game in a row.
Obama Academy boys basketball halts activities after positive covid-19 test
The Obama Academy boys basketball team must shut down activities for 14 days after a player tested positive for covid-19, Pittsburgh Public Schools announced Tuesday.
WPIAL bracketology: Don Rebel, Chris Harlan take early look at boys basketball tournament
February 15, 2021
The WPIAL basketball playoffs will seem bigger than ever this winter since the league intends to hold an open tournament in each of the six classifications.
PIAA might require schools to certify mask-wearing exemptions in writing
With many high school sports teams competing maskless, the PIAA may require postseason participants to certify in writing that their athletes qualify for an exemption under the state mandate.
An early fall? PIAA planning committee opposes starting football season sooner
February 14, 2021
The PIAA doesn’t have a prognosticating groundhog, but after hearing from its strategic planning committee, it doesn’t look like fall sports will arrive any earlier next school year.
WPIAL bracketology: Don Rebel, Chris Harlan take early look at girls basketball tournament
The WPIAL basketball playoffs will seem bigger than ever this winter since the league intends to hold an open tournament in each of the six classifications.
Trib HSSN boys basketball rankings: Feb. 14, 2021
Class 6A
Aspiring photographer, North Hills swimmer Josh Bogniard seeks picture-perfect WPIALs
When North Hills senior swimmer Josh Bogniard isn’t in the water, he’s often taking photographs of some. Icy waterfalls, mossy streams and a duckweed covered pond appear on the aspiring photographer’s Instagram account.
Brayden Reynolds scores 42; No. 2 Chartiers Valley tops No. 1 New Castle
February 12, 2021
Chartiers Valley’s Brayden Reynolds says his Colts weren’t themselves last month when they hosted New Castle and maybe focused too much on the hype.
Central Catholic lineman Bralen Henderson ‘grinds’ path to Ohio commitment
February 10, 2021
In a normal recruiting year, Bralen Henderson would’ve visited with the dozens of college football coaches who arrive at Central Catholic looking for future players.
Allderdice tops Obama Academy in rematch of City League championship
After going weeks without shooting a basketball, City League scorers will need time to find their touch, predicted Allderdice boys coach Devin Crummie.
WPIAL football players among 30,000 cardboard cutouts in Super Bowl seats
February 7, 2021
WPIAL football fans might recognize some familiar faces in the Super Bowl crowd at Raymond James Stadium.
‘Sigh of relief’ as City League basketball teams ready for delayed season openers
Snow days are sometimes enjoyable but not when you’re a high school basketball player who has waited weeks for a game, and then winter weather extends that wait a few days longer.
New Castle no longer unbeaten, loses to Belle Vernon in semifinal rematch
February 6, 2021
Belle Vernon point guard Devin Whitlock is short in height, quick with the basketball and confident against a trapping defense.
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Feb. 7, 2021
Class 6A
WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Feb. 6, 2021
Class 6A
Football officials organize free online clinic to recruit more colleagues
February 4, 2021
If someone’s on the fence about becoming a high school football official, there’s an online clinic Saturday designed just for them.
Blackhawk transfer Lorenzo Jenkins ineligible for playoffs after WPIAL hearing
The WPIAL denied a postseason waiver request from Blackhawk transfer Lorenzo Jenkins, leaving him ineligible for the basketball playoffs this winter and for football playoffs next fall.
WPIAL will use high school venues for basketball, swimming championships
The WPIAL plans to use high school venues this winter for its basketball and swimming championships rather than Pitt’s facilities.
Western Pa.’s top 10 football prospects for the Class of 2022
February 3, 2021
The WPIAL and Pittsburgh City League saw almost a dozen football recruits from their 2021 class sign with Power 5 schools this winter. The ‘22 class will need some help in the coming months to match that number.
Sto-Rox scores 20 consecutive 2nd-half points in section win over Carlynton
February 2, 2021
The halftime clock had almost reached zeroes before Sto-Rox emerged from the boys basketball locker room. Coach Dwight Hines later laughed at the suggestion he was in there delivering the best motivational speech of his life.
Opt-in window opens for basketball teams wanting to enter WPIAL playoffs
February 1, 2021
The WPIAL wants to know: Is your basketball team in or out?
WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 31, 2021
Class 6A
North Allegheny’s Khalil Dinkins works to add snarl to his game
As a future Penn State football player, there’s no questioning Khalil Dinkins’ athleticism. But his basketball coach has told him there’s one flaw in his game: He’s too nice.
No. 3 Montour builds 15-point lead, hangs on for victory over Central Valley
January 29, 2021
Isayah Mosley and his Montour teammates held their breath in the final seconds of a 40-38 victory Friday night as host Central Valley missed at the buzzer.
Young North Catholic lineup wins battle of WPIAL champions over Mohawk
Ava Walker and Alayna Rocco are freshmen starters for North Catholic’s girls basketball team, and teammates Dacia Lewandowski and Tori Drevna are only sophomores.
PIAA moves state swimming, diving championships to high school venue
January 28, 2021
The state swimming championships are changing lanes.
PIAA might keep football championships in November, start season earlier
January 27, 2021
Should the state football championship remain in November, even if that requires an earlier start date or smaller playoffs?
Khalil Dinkins’ double-double helps North Allegheny top North Hills in overtime
January 26, 2021
As a future Penn State football player, there’s no questioning Khalil Dinkins’ athleticism. But his basketball coach has told him there’s one flaw in his game: He’s too nice.
WPIAL denies postseason eligibility for Chartiers Valley girls basketball player
January 25, 2021
The Chartiers Valley girls will be missing one of their top players when the WPIAL basketball playoffs arrive this winter.
Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame delays induction ceremony until 2022
January 24, 2021
The Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame has delayed its next induction ceremony until 2022.
Big 33 Football Classic’s Super Bowl streak extended for another year
The Big 33 Football Classic was canceled last spring but the game’s Super Bowl streak continues.
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 23, 2021
Class 6A
Chartiers Valley’s state-record winning streak snapped at 64 games
The streak is over.
North Allegheny swimmers continue to ‘shoot for excellence’
Swimmers aren’t yet sure how many of them will qualify for the WPIAL championship meet but that’s just the latest twist in what’s been a challenging winter.
OLSH avenges last season’s only loss with mercy rule win over Aliquippa
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart waited more than a year for this chance to avenge its only loss from last season.
New Castle backs up No. 1 ranking with victory over No. 2 Chartiers Valley
January 19, 2021
New Castle joined a larger classification this winter but the results seem much the same.
Moon basketball’s Reilly Sunday commits to Duquesne
Moon point guard Reilly Sunday, who’s sidelined this basketball season with a knee injury, committed Tuesday to Duquesne.
63! Chartiers Valley girls break state basketball win streak record
January 18, 2021
Silver balloons hung in Chartiers Valley’s locker room after Monday’s girls basketball game, with some spelling out “yay!” and others “63.”
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 16, 2021
Class 6A
Now healthy, Habib steps into new role for North Allegheny
Greg Habib’s junior season ended early last winter when a player fell into his leg at Seneca Valley’s gym, forced his knee inward and injured his medial collateral ligament.
Chartiers Valley girls quietly tie longest winning streak in state basketball history
There were a couple of high fives when the clock reached zeroes Friday night but nothing more than usual as Chartiers Valley wrapped up a 53-point section win over Moon.
Facing 1-game suspension, Woodland Hills boys basketball coach Matt Furjanic resigns
January 15, 2021
Facing a one-game suspension handed down by his school district, Woodland Hills boys basketball coach Matt Furjanic resigned instead.
Norwin investigates on-court incident between basketball coach, opposing player
January 14, 2021
The WPIAL won’t seek to discipline Norwin’s boys basketball coach for an on-court incident with a player since the school district has already addressed the issue.
Woodland Hills suspends boys basketball coach Matt Furjanic 1 game for social media post
Woodland Hills suspended boys basketball coach Matt Furjanic for one game in response to a social media post last week that criticized game officials.
WPIAL ‘publicly censures’ Woodland Hills basketball coach Matt Furjanic for tweet
January 13, 2021
Woodland Hills boys basketball coach Matt Furjanic tweets mostly about presidential politics to his 436 Twitter followers, but the WPIAL found one of his other posts more controversial.
Blistering 32-point quarter carries new-look North Allegheny past Seneca Valley
North Allegheny’s boys basketball team hasn’t reached triple digits in the past five seasons, which isn’t all that surprising since scoring 100 points is rare in the WPIAL.
Pittsburgh City League winter sports will start Jan. 25
January 11, 2021
City League sports teams can begin their winter seasons Jan. 25, two days before Pittsburgh Public Schools students are expected to resume in-person classes.
Damned if you do: Woodland Hills coach, WPIAL board to chat about Tweet
Woodland Hills boys basketball coach Matt Furjanic has a no cursing policy and violators run sprints at practice. Now, Furjanic might be the one running, although he disputes whether the word he uttered should count.
WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 10, 2021
Class 6A
Deep roster to play key role for North Hills boys basketball
North Hills boys basketball coach Buzz Gabos has plans for the 10th, 11th and maybe even 12th player on the team’s bench.
Lincoln Park caps unofficial tip-off tournament with win over Central Catholic
L.A. Pratt’s calf was cramping but he had a wide-open hoop ahead of him, so he waved off the timeout and finished a one-legged layup.
Mt. Lebanon’s strong 3rd quarter spoils Jeff Ackermann’s Baldwin debut
January 9, 2021
After practicing just four times since late November, Mt. Lebanon coach Joe David could only wonder what his basketball team might look like this season.
Return policy: Answering the big questions as WPIAL teams get back on the court
January 7, 2021
Worried? Skeptical? Angry?
Uniontown leaving WPIAL football for independent schedule
January 6, 2021
Uniontown is leaving WPIAL football for an independent schedule, a decision school administrators hope can spark a struggling program.
Gov. Wolf: Shutdown of high school sports will end Monday
December 30, 2020
After a three-week pause of interscholastic sports, it’s time to push “play.”
PIAA, WPIAL delay team wrestling championships
December 22, 2020
The PIAA remains committed to crowning team wrestling champions this winter, but for now it doesn’t know when or where.
PIAA relaxes preseason practice rule, anticipates restarting sports Jan. 4
Help has arrived for high school teams that fell behind schedule on their preseason practices.
5 Central Valley teammates voted all-state; Ameer Dudley named top player in 3A
Undefeated Central Valley was unmatched this season, a dominance that was rewarded in all-state voting Tuesday.
Beaver Falls trio leads 7 WPIAL players on Class 2A all-state football team
A month after winning a WPIAL football title, Beaver Falls teammates Josh Hough, Mitchell Myers and Tyler Jones have reason to celebrate again.
Jeannette’s Birch brothers among 7 WPIAL players named all-state in Class A
Jeannette brothers Brett and Brad Birch, who combined to lead the Jayhawks to a WPIAL title, are together again.
WPIAL adopts ‘open tournament’ for basketball playoffs allowing all teams to participate
December 21, 2020
WPIAL basketball teams can forget about playoff scenarios this winter.
Subsection wrestling tournaments among ideas WPIAL board to consider
December 20, 2020
The WPIAL wrestling committee wants subsection tournaments added to the individual postseason schedule this winter as the league adjusts to covid-19 restrictions.
PIAA will consider relaxing 15-practice requirement for winter sports teams
December 18, 2020
Will the PIAA let athletes skip practice? Some coaches hope so.
North Catholic sweeps MVP awards on Allegheny 7 all-conference football team
December 17, 2020
Conference champion North Catholic was rewarded with nine first-team spots on the all-Allegheny Seven football team, and three Trojans earned individual awards in a vote of coaches.
WPIAL finalists Jeannette, Clairton lead all-Eastern Conference football team
WPIAL Class A finalists Jeannette and Clairton combined to earn 19 first-team spots on the all-Eastern Conference football team in a vote of coaches.
WPIAL’s 2021 football recruits make commitments official by signing early
December 16, 2020
For the fourth year, the NCAA allowed college football recruits to sign early, making their commitments official in mid December rather than early February.
WPIAL champion coach brings spark to North Allegheny boys basketball
December 13, 2020
Matt McDonough and Robby Jones knew there would be some wide eyes in the gym, so they offered words of advice to their North Allegheny teammates about new basketball coach Dan DeRose.
WPIAL teams in action Friday night savor the moment, worry about what’s next
December 12, 2020
In all of his years as the Mars boys basketball coach, Rob Carmody has never celebrated an undefeated season.
PIAA doesn’t anticipate ‘pause’ becoming lengthy shutdown
December 11, 2020
PIAA executive director Bob Lombardi said he doesn’t believe this “pause” of interscholastic sports will drag on for months like the shutdown last spring.
Gov. Wolf shuts down interscholastic, recreational sports until Jan. 4
December 10, 2020
With covid-19 cases increasing statewide, Gov. Tom Wolf “paused” interscholastic and recreational sports Thursday, one day before high school teams were scheduled to start their winter schedules.
PIAA moves forward with winter sports despite pleas from school administrators
December 9, 2020
The PIAA will let winter sports start Friday as scheduled over pleas from school administrators asking to delay as covid-19 cases rise.
Trib HSSN 2020-21 WPIAL Class 3A boys basketball preseason breakdown
December 8, 2020
This will surely be a boys basketball season like no other.
Trib HSSN 2020-21 WPIAL Class 4A boys basketball preseason breakdown
December 7, 2020
This will surely be a boys basketball season like no other.
School districts’ masks policies could impact WPIAL competitions
“Mask or no mask” has become a WPIAL dilemma.
Undefeated state champions lead Trib 25 football all-stars
December 6, 2020
Two WPIAL teams went unbeaten from start to finish, remarkable seasons that included lopsided wins, running clocks and record-setting stats.
North Allegheny looking to again contend for PIHL Penguins Cup title
December 5, 2020
The PIHL shut down its playoffs before reaching the finals last season, so North Allegheny coach Mike Bagnato told his players to consider themselves the reigning champions.
Shenango, Rochester top all-conference selections for Big 7 football team
December 4, 2020
Shenango and Rochester tied atop the Big Seven standings and had five players apiece earn first-team all-conference honors in the WPIAL Class A conference.
California leads Tri-County South with 9 all-conference football players
California running back Jaeden Zuzak, the WPIAL’s third-leading rusher this season, was among 45 players named all-conference in the Class A Tri-County South.
10 Apollo-Ridge players earn 1st-team honors in Allegheny Conference
Apollo-Ridge running back Logan Harmon and lineman Greg Klingensmith were among 10 Vikings who earned first-team all-conference honors in the Class 2A Allegheny.
Beaver Falls’ Josh Hough, Laurel’s Mitch Miles earn top conference honors in MAC
WPIAL champion Beaver Falls earned seven first-team spots on the Midwestern all-conference team led by senior Josh Hough, who was named offensive player of the year.
McGuffey quarterback, lineman, coach earn all-conference awards in Century
McGuffey quarterback Rocco Falosk and lineman Aiden Brookman each earned individual conference honors after leading the Highlanders to the Century title.
Sto-Rox, Western Beaver lead Three Rivers all-conference football team
December 3, 2020
Sto-Rox and Western Beaver, which tied atop the Class 2A Three Rivers standings, led the all-conference voting with six first-team players.
Pittsburgh Public Schools postpones City League winter sports until January
Pittsburgh Public Schools has delayed the start of winter sports in the City League until at least January.
Elizabeth Forward leads Interstate all-conference vote with 8 first-team picks
Elizabeth Forward celebrated the second undefeated regular season in school history, an achievement that was rewarded in the all-conference voting.
Central Valley sweeps individual awards on Northwestern 6 all-conference team
December 2, 2020
Much like during the season, Central Valley again stood atop the Northwestern Six, this time in the all-conference voting.
Chartiers Valley basketball’s Aislin Malcolm commits to Pitt
Chartiers Valley junior Aislin Malcolm already has two wins on her future home court.
Beaver Falls football rallies around trainer touched by coronavirus tragedy
As an athletic trainer for high school sports teams, Dan Summers made it his responsibility to keep Beaver Falls football players safe from coronavirus. Hand sanitizer was taped to the back of his golf cart, and he used a water sprayer to cool athletes from a safe distance during practice.
7 players named all-conference for both offense, defense on Big 8 football team
December 1, 2020
Belle Vernon’s Devin Whitlock and McKeesport’s Colin Lyons were among seven players who earned first-team all-conference honors on both sides of the football in the Class 4A Big Eight.
Aliquippa, Chartiers Valley lead all-conference football team in Parkway
Aliquippa’s Vernon Redd and Chartiers Valley’s Anthony Collura earned all-conference honors on both sides of the football in the Class 4A Parkway.
Plum earns 10 all-conference picks after undefeated record in Greater Allegheny
Plum celebrated its first undefeated regular season since 1977, an accomplishment that was rewarded in the all-conference voting by Greater Allegheny coaches.
PIAA savors fall season completed against all odds
November 30, 2020
There was cause to celebrate, but PIAA executive director Bob Lombardi probably didn’t spike the football or exchange high-fives after the state championships finished Saturday night.
Penn-Trafford leads all-conference picks on Big East football team
Penn-Trafford quarterback Ethan Carr was among 10 teammates who earned first-team all-conference honors, and Warriors coach John Ruane earned Coach of the Year honors in the Class 5A Big East this season.
Central Catholic leads WPIAL Class 6A all-conference football team
WPIAL champion Central Catholic had eight players earn first-team all-conference honors in Class 6A, including running back Eddy Tillman, who led the largest classification in rushing.
Pine-Richland earns 12 all-conference spots on Northeast football team
A dozen Pine-Richland players earned first-team all-conference honors in the Class 5A Northeast, including the record-setting combination of quarterback Cole Spencer and receiver Eli Jochem.
Peters Township tops Allegheny 6 all-conference football team
Peters Township reached the WPIAL finals for the second year in a row and was rewarded with eight first-team spots on the Allegheny Six all-conference team.
Thomas Jefferson defends title, captures 5th PIAA football championship
November 28, 2020
HERSHEY — Style points aren’t important to Thomas Jefferson’s football team, or else the Jaguars coaching staff wouldn’t be wearing shorts in 40-degree weather.
PIAA Class 4A championship breakdown: Thomas Jefferson vs. Jersey Shore
Thomas Jefferson vs. Jersey Shore
Pine-Richland routs Cathedral Prep to claim PIAA Class 5A title
November 27, 2020
HERSHEY — Luke Miller was a Pine-Richland waterboy four years ago when the Rams last celebrated a state football championship at Hersheypark Stadium.
Central Valley caps undefeated season with PIAA Class 3A championship
HERSHEY — The second-half clock usually moves lightning quick for Central Valley games, but this time the Warriors insisted it felt excruciatingly slow.
5 things to watch at the PIAA football championships
With a laugh, Cathedral Prep coach Mike Mischler brags that his defense hasn’t given up a point in weeks.
PIAA Class 5A football championship breakdown: Pine-Richland vs. Cathedral Prep
November 26, 2020
Pine-Richland vs. Cathedral Prep
PIAA championship ‘final chapter’ for record-setting Pine-Richland seniors
Cole Spencer has won more games than any quarterback in Pine-Richland history, and Eli Jochem owns all-time receiving records for catches and yards.
Few tickets. No locker rooms. Covid-19 alters football team plans for PIAA championships
November 25, 2020
Central Valley’s football players will eat Thanksgiving dinner at the school, enjoying food served only by their coaches, before the team boards its buses to Hershey.
Thomas Jefferson doesn’t look back while chasing consecutive PIAA Class 4A titles
November 24, 2020
Thomas Jefferson likes to celebrate its championship tradition, but this year’s football team has grown a little tired of talking about last year’s accomplishments.
PIAA drastically cuts football championship tickets to meet Gov. Wolf’s order
State championship football teams will receive 386 tickets apiece from the PIAA for this weekend’s games, far fewer than originally planned.
PIAA puts football ticket sales on hold after governor tightens gathering limits
November 23, 2020
Ticket sales are on hold for the PIAA football championships after Gov. Tom Wolf announced new limits on gathering sizes.
Pine-Richland headed to Hershey after wild win over Governor Mifflin
November 21, 2020
HOLLIDAYSBURG — “It was over” when Pine-Richland stumbled off the bus and let Governor Mifflin score the first three touchdowns.
Pine-Richland’s stout run defense faces star tailback in PIAA 5A semifinals
Here’s what makes Pine-Richland’s semifinal opponent dangerous:
Defending champion Thomas Jefferson routs Oil City, returns to PIAA 4A final
November 20, 2020
Thomas Jefferson had the football 10 times Friday night and scored nine touchdowns, an almost-perfect performance that has the Jaguars headed back to Hershey.
Slowing Wilmington’s running game key for Beaver Falls in PIAA 2A semifinal
November 19, 2020
Studying film of Wilmington’s offensive line made Beaver Falls coach Nick Nardone think back to a Week 2 matchup with Laurel.
Seton LaSalle hires Mauro Monz as football coach
Seton LaSalle reached into its past to find its future football coach.
PIAA urges winter sports teams to ‘set the foundation’ by starting practice Friday
November 18, 2020
The PIAA is encouraging winter sports teams to “set the foundation” by starting preseason practice Friday, if possible.
Individual schools must decide if athletes wear masks for competition, PIAA says
Could wearing a mask during a football game or soccer match be considered an unsafe condition?
WPIAL bans Peters Township band after investigating ‘blackface’ allegations
November 17, 2020
The Peters Township marching band is prohibited from performing at any WPIAL event until the school district submits a plan to “eradicate the social and racial insensitivity displayed by the marching band and its director/supervisors,” the WPIAL announced Tuesday.
Central Valley’s Ameer Dudley chooses Ivy League football, ‘best education’
Three days after winning a WPIAL championship, Central Valley quarterback Ameer Dudley had more reason to celebrate.
WPIAL considers changes to swimming championships, other winter sports
November 16, 2020
The WPIAL might hold its swimming and basketball championships somewhere other than Pitt’s facilities this winter. Of course, that’s assuming there are winter sports championships.
Thomas Jefferson stops Aliquippa in OT in WPIAL finals dream matchup
November 14, 2020
If there was any uncertainty on Thomas Jefferson’s sideline, it was about the high school rules for overtime.
North Allegheny runners elevate their game, sweep PIAA cross country titles
There’s an old theory that Western Pennsylvania cross country runners are better on hilly courses while their counterparts from the east thrive on fast, flat stretches.
Beaver Falls’ big backs will test Sto-Rox in WPIAL Class 2A final
Beaver Falls could use multiple receivers, spread the field and throw the football in Saturday’s WPIAL championship.
Aliquippa brings ‘massive’ line into Class 4A final against Thomas Jefferson
When Thomas Jefferson’s Bill Cherpak talks about Aliquippa’s linemen, he doesn’t compare them with any group he coached to a WPIAL title.
WPIAL Class 4A football championship breakdown: Aliquippa vs. Thomas Jefferson
WPIAL Class 4A football championship
Central Valley claims WPIAL title with yet another dominant performance
November 13, 2020
Call it a mercy mission.
Trib HSSN’s high school football championships primer
The WPIAL will host four football championship games Saturday after holding the Class 3A final Friday night. The Pittsburgh City League also will contest its championship game Saturday afternoon.
Central Catholic football forfeits PIAA quarterfinal over covid-19 concerns
Central Catholic’s run in the state football playoffs is over before it started.
WPIAL Class 2A football championship breakdown: Beaver Falls vs. Sto-Rox
November 12, 2020
WPIAL Class 2A football championship
Central Valley quarterback Ameer Dudley sets commitment date
November 8, 2020
Central Valley quarterback Ameer Dudley has a big game and a big decision ahead.
PIAA announces sites, times for football state semifinals
Central Catholic’s first opponent in the state playoffs will have a home-field advantage.
5 things we learned: Central Catholic coach Terry Totten climbs list with 6th WPIAL title
Only three football coaches have won more WPIAL titles than Central Catholic’s Terry Totten, but he hasn’t spent any time contemplating his place in league history.
Campus visit convinces Gateway’s Derrick Davis to pick LSU
November 7, 2020
Derrick Davis visited Louisiana around the age of 8 for a youth track meet. He finished 17th in the country in the 100-meter dash, an early glimpse of the athleticism that has made him a coveted college football recruit.
Central Catholic tops North Allegheny, repeats as WPIAL Class 6A champion
November 6, 2020
Eddy Tillman scored three rushing touchdowns and Central Catholic’s defense was dominant in the second half Friday night, a familiar combination for the Vikings in recent years.
North Allegheny cross country teams set for unique PIAA championship race
In a typical cross country meet, runners can see the competition ahead of them or hear their footsteps approaching from behind.
5 things to watch: WPIAL 6A finalists linked through their coaches
A chain connects Central Catholic and North Allegheny, but that’s not the only link between the two football teams.
WPIAL Class 6A football finals breakdown: North Allegheny vs. Central Catholic
WPIAL Class 6A football championship
North Allegheny, Central Catholic doubted if anyone would celebrate WPIAL 6A title
Seven times, North Allegheny coach Art Walker has taken a football team to the WPIAL finals. Central Catholic’s Terry Totten has the Vikings in the championship game for the eighth time.
WPIAL will start winter sports on time
November 4, 2020
With the first practices only weeks away, the WPIAL won’t make any changes to the winter sports schedule after receiving mixed feedback from schools.
5 things we learned in opening round of WPIAL football playoffs
October 31, 2020
Sto-Rox’s coach LaRoi Johnson has a bundle of 2-point plays he will call in any situation, but with Friday’s game on the line, he summoned his sophomore kicker.
North Allegheny, North Hills set to host WPIAL football finals
The WPIAL football finals are moving from the North Shore to the North Hills.
Dominant Central Catholic defense shuts out Mt. Lebanon, returns to WPIAL finals
October 30, 2020
Like old west prospectors searching for gold, defensive lineman Bralen Henderson and his Central Catholic teammates spent this fall talking about nuggets.
What to watch in Week 8: Small-school Aliquippa enters 4A playoffs as top seed
The No. 1 seed in WPIAL Class 4A football is one of the smallest schools in the WPIAL.
Central Catholic stands in way of Mt. Lebanon’s 1st WPIAL final since 2000
Mt. Lebanon’s motto this season is simply: Why not us?
PIAA approves covid-19 guidelines for winter, remains ‘cautiously optimistic’
October 29, 2020
PIAA basketball teams should limit the number of individuals on their bench to maintain a social distance of six feet or more when possible.
Pay to play? PIAA board discusses fee for state playoff qualifiers
October 28, 2020
The PIAA might someday charge schools a fee to compete in the state playoffs, creating an alternate source of income as the coronavirus pandemic batters its budget.
PIAA gives teams home-field advantage in state playoffs
Some WPIAL teams will have a home-field advantage in the state playoffs.
WPIAL football committee’s choices leave ‘sour taste’ for some coaches
October 25, 2020
After Avonworth’s regular-season finale was canceled because of coronavirus concerns, football coach Duke Johncour told his players to start preparing for any number of playoff scenarios.
5 things we learned in Week 7: Two leading QBs questionable for WPIAL playoff openers
October 24, 2020
Two of the WPIAL’s top quarterbacks are questionable to play as their teams approach the playoffs.
Breaking down the 2020 WPIAL football playoffs
Here’s a class-by-class breakdown of the WPIAL football playoff brackets:
WPIAL reveals 2020 football playoff brackets
The WPIAL promised its football teams weeks ago that if they canceled games for covid-19, those decisions wouldn’t hurt their qualifying chances come playoff time.
WPIAL football rankings for Week 7
Class 6A
WPIAL bracketology: Chris Harlan, Don Rebel make final predictions for football pairings
This was a football season unlike any other.
Mt. Lebanon tops Seneca Valley with blocked extra point in overtime
October 23, 2020
With its playoff hopes in jeopardy, Mt. Lebanon would’ve gone for two in overtime Friday night, sticking with coach Bob Palko’s win-or-go-home reputation.
Home field in playoffs likely at stake as Mt. Lebanon visits Seneca Valley
If Mt. Lebanon wins Friday’s regular-season finale at Seneca Valley, the Blue Devils will likely receive one of the top two seeds in the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs.
Avonworth cancels Friday football game, Central Valley finds new opponent
October 22, 2020
Avonworth canceled Friday night’s football game over covid-related concerns, Central Valley athletic director Sam Cercone said Thursday.
North Allegheny’s Khalil Dinkins commits to Penn State
October 21, 2020
Video conference calls replaced many of the in-school recruiting visits and campus tours canceled during the pandemic.
5 things we learned in Week 6: WPIAL linemen can score touchdowns too
October 17, 2020
Could there be a quarterback controversy brewing at Pine-Richland?
WPIAL football rankings for Week 6
Class 6A
Covid-19 shutdown forces defending champion North Allegheny girls to turn focus to playoffs
As a defending WPIAL champion, no one would’ve blamed North Allegheny’s girls soccer team for glancing ahead to the playoffs.
Sto-Rox forces 7 turnovers, lets Josh Jenkins shine in victory over Western Beaver
October 16, 2020
Sto-Rox’s Josh Jenkins is a little like Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints, says coach LaRoi Johnson. Or, if you want an old-school reference closer to McKees Rocks, he suggests Kordell Stewart.
5 things to watch in Week 6: Some WPIAL conferences may crown no champion
Some WPIAL football conferences may have no champion this season.
Explosive Sto-Rox offense, Western Beaver’s big-play defense share Week 6 limelight
The lights above Sto-Rox’s football field aren’t new, but they might feel a little brighter this week.
WPIAL reveals postseason plans, awards home games to higher seeds
October 14, 2020
If playoff qualifiers can’t be determined from the standings, the WPIAL steering committee for each sport will decide who makes the postseason this fall.
Baldwin, Seneca Valley delay football game to Saturday
Baldwin and Seneca Valley have delayed this week’s football game to Saturday.
PIAA flexibility lets Blackhawk, New Castle reschedule football game Oct. 30
Blackhawk and New Castle rescheduled their postponed football game for Oct. 30, the first week of the WPIAL playoffs, taking advantage of a PIAA decision to let teams extend the regular season.
5 things we learned in WPIAL Week 5
How will the WPIAL decide which football teams make the playoffs since covid-19 cancellations made the standings unbalanced?
After strong section season, North Allegheny runners prepare for championship meets
When North Allegheny’s runners walked to the starting line wearing masks for their early-September scrimmage, coach John Neff wasn’t sure what to expect from cross country season under covid-19 conditions.
Small-school Aliquippa shows big-play ability in victory over Chartiers Valley
October 9, 2020
Aliquippa is a small school known for its big plays.
Covid-19 case forces New Castle to shut down football activities for 2 weeks
New Castle is shutting down its football program for two weeks after a varsity player tested positive for coronavirus, costing the Red Hurricanes at least two games, athletic director Sam Flora said Friday.
5 things to watch in Week 5: Gateway returns to ‘normal’
After a two-week coronavirus hiatus, Gateway’s football team is getting back to normal. Or as close to normal as possible in a week that starts on Wednesday and ends with a game Sunday night.
Aliquippa, Chartiers Valley follow different routes to Parkway clash in Class 4A
October 8, 2020
Anthony Collura heard stories about the horse, the rider and the flaming spear that arrives at Aliquippa football games, but the Chartiers Valley senior wasn’t sure they were true.
PIAA tweaks fall playoff brackets, cross country qualifiers for state championship
October 7, 2020
The PIAA made changes to its fall postseason plans Wednesday including a move that lets more WPIAL runners into the state cross country championships.
PIAA readies covid-19 guidelines for winter, intends to start seasons as scheduled
As fall sports approach the postseason, the PIAA is turning its attention to winter.
New attendance limits remove some stress for WPIAL schools
October 6, 2020
High school administrators across the PIAA were verifying the number of seats in their stadiums and gymnasiums Tuesday after Gov. Tom Wolf eased limits on gathering sizes.
2 WPIAL teams earn national recognition from High School Football America
October 5, 2020
Two WPIAL football teams are earning national attention.
Gateway, Penn-Trafford choose Sunday night kickoff for football game
Sunday night football is coming to the WPIAL.
10 members of WPIAL Diversity & Inclusion Council bring varied experiences
When Loran Cooley met the other individuals chosen for the first WPIAL Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council, he noticed a long list of doctorates.
4 WPIAL football teams maintain long conference streaks as Penn Hills’ ends
October 4, 2020
One of WPIAL football’s longest active conference winning streaks ended Saturday, leaving four double-digit streaks intact.
5 things we learned in Week 4: Zero tolerance works for Elizabeth Forward
October 3, 2020
If the other team doesn’t score, it can’t win.
WPIAL Football Rankings for Week 4
Here’s a look at this week’s WPIAL football rankings:
Multiple-QB approach working for North Allegheny
The Friday night started with Tanner Potts taking the first snap for North Allegheny’s offense. Ryan Treser handled the second snap, and soon Greg Phillips was behind center for the Tigers.
Gannon Carothers’ versatility helps No. 2 Central Catholic defeat No. 3 Seneca Valley
October 2, 2020
Gannon Carothers’ coaches say the junior plays five positions for Central Catholic, a versatility that seemed invaluable Friday night.
Gov. Wolf: Spectator situation ‘confusing’ for schools, no updated guidance yet
The gathering limits ruled unconstitutional two weeks ago are back in place statewide, leaving some high school athletic directors to ask: Now what?
Spectators again restricted at high school sports but Gov. Wolf says ‘stay tuned’
October 1, 2020
North Allegheny will have a socially distant student section at Friday’s football game, and Norwin is moving forward with its homecoming festivities as planned.
Kiski Area running back Kenneth Blake commits to Albany
September 30, 2020
Kiski Area’s Kenneth Blake will play college football in New York for a team with Western Pennsylvania connections.
Clairton cancels Week 4 football game with Bishop Canevin
Clairton football practices are shut down until next week over covid-19 concerns and Saturday’s game against Bishop Canevin was canceled, the school announced Wednesday night.
5 things we learned in Week 3: Drop in classification lifts WPIAL teams to 3-0 starts
September 26, 2020
After years battling as one of the smallest WPIAL schools in Class 5A football, Chartiers Valley this season became one of the largest in 4A — a move that’s had an immediate impact.
WPIAL Football Rankings for Week 3
Class 6A
Young North Hills boys soccer team looking to build
With almost two dozen sophomores and freshmen on the roster, North Hills boys soccer coach Jared Steigerwald has focused this fall on teaching fundamentals.
North Allegheny answers questions with victory over top-ranked Central Catholic
September 25, 2020
North Allegheny’s Khalil Dinkins knew there were questions about his untested football team entering Friday’s game with rival Central Catholic.
5 things to watch in Week 3: WPIAL No. 1 vs. No. 2 in largest classifications
It’s one vs. two, twice.
Central Catholic’s Eddy Tillman gets home-field advantage vs. North Allegheny
September 24, 2020
Central Catholic’s football team doesn’t have a home field, but running back Eddy Tillman will be close to home Friday night.
WPIAL football playoffs will have 8-team brackets in most classifications
WPIAL football teams can start counting their Gardner Points now, because some will need them to break ties in about five weeks.
PIAA adopts slimmed-down state playoff brackets for fall sports
September 23, 2020
The state playoffs are now a win-and-get-in scenario.
Gov. Wolf’s veto of House Bill 2787 stands as state House override falls short
To the dismay of many high school sports fans, Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of House Bill 2787 will stand.
WPIAL schools start allowing more spectators as governor’s limits become voluntary
September 22, 2020
Gov. Tom Wolf would prefer schools adhere to his gathering limits at sports events, but acknowledged Tuesday they’re not legally binding “at least for the moment.”
WPIAL chooses alternate site for cross country championships
September 21, 2020
Cross country runners who competed last week in the Red, White and Blue Classic got an early look at the WPIAL championship course.
Gov. Wolf vetoes House Bill 2787, leaving high school sports spectators in limbo
Gov. Tom Wolf followed through on his promise Monday and vetoed legislation that would have let school districts set their own attendance limits for sports.
5 things we learned in Week 2 of high school football
September 19, 2020
With Friday night’s win over Mt. Lebanon, a team Canon-McMillan hadn’t defeated in 12 years, the Big Macs bolstered their playoff chances.
WPIAL football rankings for Week 2
Ranking, record and previous week’s ranking:
Under new leadership, North Hills girls soccer optimistic for success
Rick Kabbert was leery he’d face some skepticism.
Top-ranked Pine-Richland wastes no time in victory over No. 4 Upper St. Clair
Pine-Richland quarterback Cole Spencer had the football in his hands so often Friday night that he felt like he’d left a half-dozen touchdowns on the field.
Wolf administration asks schools to voluntarily enforce gathering limits
September 18, 2020
The updated guidance for high school sports and spectators promised by Gov. Tom Wolf was a no-show Friday.
5 things to watch in Week 2: Seneca Valley among 7 teams ready for delayed openers
Tired of making each other black and blue, Seneca Valley’s football players want to hit somebody not wearing blue and black.
Baldwin cancels 2 football games after coach tests positive for covid-19
September 17, 2020
Baldwin shut down all football activities for at least 14 days after a member of the coaching staff tested positive for covid-19, the school announced Thursday.
Attendance limits force Neshannock football mother to experience ‘worst fear’ from afar
Landon Shaffer’s parents were allotted one ticket for his high school football game, so his mother resorted to watching a video stream on her cell phone.
West Greene-California football game postponed over covid-19 concerns
September 16, 2020
Covid-19 concerns caused West Greene to postpone Friday’s football game against California.
Gov. Wolf: Schools will receive updated guidance on sports spectators this week
The state Department of Education will release updated guidance this week regarding spectators at interscholastic sporting events, Gov. Tom Wolf said Wednesday.
State lawmakers urge Gov. Wolf to sign bill, let schools set spectator limits for sports
A bipartisan group of state lawmakers gathered Wednesday and urged Gov. Tom Wolf to sign House Bill 2787, legislation that lets individual schools set spectator limits for sports.
5 things we learned from WPIAL Week 1: Smattering of fans an ‘eerie’ atmosphere
September 12, 2020
WPIAL football looked familiar, but it certainly sounded quieter than ever.
WPIAL football rankings for Week 1
WPIAL football
Upper St. Clair stays grounded, defeats rival Bethel Park with 5 rushing TDs
September 11, 2020
Dual-threat quarterback Ethan Dahlem scored twice Friday night, yet Upper St. Clair didn’t need him to carry the load alone anymore.
Sto-Rox cancels football game 3 hours before kickoff
A few hours before kickoff, Sto-Rox canceled its season-opening football game.
Controlling tempo key for Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park in Allegheny 6 opener
Mike Junko doesn’t make his team run gassers, suicide sprints or whatever other name the exhausting workouts are called.
North Allegheny boys soccer focused on finishing chances
September 10, 2020
In soccer coach Bobby Vosmaer’s view, his North Allegheny boys need to finish their scoring chances to keep their season from ending early again.
Waynesburg adds Ariz. wrestling champion as WPIAL sorts out-of-state transfers
For the second year in a row, Waynesburg’s wrestling team has added a state champion from another part of the country.
Gov. Wolf says schools shouldn’t decide spectator limits for sports
Advocates for House Bill 2787 are ignoring reality, said Gov. Tom Wolf, who insisted Thursday that individual schools shouldn’t set their own attendance policies for athletics.
Serra Catholic postpones football team’s season opener
Serra Catholic, which closed its school building for a couple of days this week, has also postponed its football team’s season opener.
WPIAL football teams ready to embark on season like no other
After an evening of continuous collisions, two of the WPIAL’s top football teams wanted to show their respect for one another, but they weren’t exactly sure how.
Central Catholic transfer Langston Moses wins appeal, eligible for basketball playoffs
September 9, 2020
If Central Catholic qualifies for the WPIAL basketball playoffs, junior Langston Moses is eligible to take part this winter, the WPIAL decided Wednesday.
Pa. Senate passes bill letting school districts decide who attends sporting events
If House Bill 2787 becomes law, state Rep. Mike Reese plans to watch some high school football games and see his niece play volleyball at Hempfield.
Veteran QB Cole Spencer leads Pine-Richland into new Class 5A schedule
September 7, 2020
Pine-Richland quarterback Cole Spencer threw for nearly 3,000 yards last season, but that isn’t the number his coach likes most.
North Hills to rely on senior class to navigate new-look conference slate
North Hills enters the fall with a football team that’s senior-heavy but light on experience.
WPIAL sets football playoffs for 2021, but this year’s format clouded by covid-19
September 6, 2020
Covid-19 uncertainty clouds this year’s playoff picture, but the WPIAL did make a recent decision about the 2021 football postseason.
WPIAL Class 5A football breakdown: South Fayette, Pine-Richland face new challenges
How long has it been since South Fayette wasn’t a clear conference favorite?
Gateway junior Patrick Body Jr. becomes 2nd Gators safety with Pitt offer
There’s already a four-star safety in Gateway’s senior class, but now there’s a Power 5 defensive back in the junior class as well.
One WPIAL football team expects hundreds of fans at its opener: South Fayette
September 4, 2020
South Fayette’s football team will travel two hours for its season opener, but there is an obvious silver lining. By playing a game out of state, the Lions can have a couple of hundred of their fans in the stands.
Legislation that gives schools say on spectators moves closer to Gov. Wolf’s desk
September 3, 2020
Before WPIAL football teams kick off next week, state lawmakers may send a bill to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk that would let more spectators attend interscholastic events.
Gov. Wolf lifts ban on spectators at interscholastic sports
September 2, 2020
Spectators can watch football, soccer and all other high school sports this fall after Gov. Tom Wolf lifted his ban on fans at interscholastic athletics. But Wolf kept strict limits on gathering sizes, meaning many stadium seats and gym bleachers might stay empty.
Almost every member school will play fall sports, WPIAL survey says
September 1, 2020
The results of the WPIAL survey are clear: Almost everyone is playing fall sports.
PIAA rejects Thursday kickoff request for WPIAL football season
High school football season won’t start on a Thursday night.
Central Catholic returns 2,000-yard rusher but QB job remains 5-way battle
August 31, 2020
Central Catholic has five guys competing to play quarterback, and whoever wins the job will practice handing the football to Eddy Tillman.
Strong junior class has Mt. Lebanon coach Bob Palko optimistic in Year 2
Mt. Lebanon coach Bob Palko had 14 sophomores earn a varsity letter in his first season with the Blue Devils.
North Allegheny replaces top rusher, passer, receiver from last year’s lineup
North Allegheny coach Art Walker has always had a go-to guy in the backfield, one running back who’d shoulder the bulk of the carries.
Central Catholic football star, Pitt recruit Elliot Donald skipping senior season
August 30, 2020
The possibility he’d infect his granddad or any other family member with covid-19 was too much risk, said Central Catholic football star Elliot Donald, who decided to skip his senior season.
Shady Side Academy delays football season until Week 3
August 28, 2020
Shady Side Academy won’t start football season until Week 3, a decision meant to limit potential exposure to coronavirus.
Uniontown reinstates football, soccer seasons after initially canceling fall contact sports
Football and soccer seasons were reinstated Friday at Uniontown.
Peters Township has high-end talent to contend again
August 27, 2020
Peters Township came within one point of winning the WPIAL Class 5A title last season, but that rain-soaked loss didn’t close the team’s championship window.
Lack of returning starters doesn’t faze Bethel Park
Bethel Park graduated all 11 starters on offense and 10 on defense, but coach Brian DeLallo won’t call this a “rebuilding” year.
South Fayette brings cutting-edge offense into Class 5A competition
South Fayette quarterback Naman Alemada was running the New England Patriots offense at times last season, with plays designed for small-but-quick receivers.
Dahlem, Pantelis return to bolster Upper St. Clair aerial attack
Ethan Dahlem and David Pantelis have a quarterback-receiver connection that Upper St. Clair coach Mike Junko describes as nearly clairvoyant.
Online offseason helps West Allegheny, new coach get up to speed
West Allegheny not only has a new head coach but also a new offensive coordinator and an entirely new offense.
Pittsburgh’s City League teams can start fall sports without delay
August 26, 2020
There will be City League sports this fall.
Covid-19 forces Seneca Valley to cancel football scrimmage, season opener
August 25, 2020
Concerned that an athlete had direct exposure to covid-19, Seneca Valley shut down football workouts indefinitely Tuesday, meaning it also must cancel its preseason scrimmage and season opener.
Would school districts be legally liable for athletes contracting covid-19?
If a school district lets students play sports and one contracts covid-19 with complications, could the school be held legally responsible?
WPIAL sets Sept. 1 deadline for schools to opt out of fall sports
August 24, 2020
The WPIAL believes a large majority of member schools will play sports this fall, but it’s hoping to know for sure in the next week.
Mt. Lebanon shuts down football workouts, must cancel season opener
A positive covid-19 test caused Mt. Lebanon to shut down football activities until next week, a delay that will force the team to cancel its preseason scrimmage and season opener.
Football coaches fear postponement, transfers could doom City League
August 23, 2020
City League football coaches are worried about losing their season, but they’re also fearful they could lose the entire league.
WPIAL treasurer Michael Allison voted ‘no’ to starting fall sports. Here’s why.
August 22, 2020
Hopewell principal Michael Allison is a former high school athlete and coach, the treasurer of the WPIAL and president of the Pennsylvania Principals Association.
PIAA ignores Gov. Wolf’s recommendation, allows fall sports to start Monday
August 21, 2020
High school football season starts Monday, along with soccer, cross country, girls volleyball and all other PIAA fall sports.
Allegheny County schools can play football under health department’s 50-person limit
The PIAA voted to allow high school sports to proceed on schedule. Allegheny County schools got a double dose of good news.
Sto-Rox hires Aliquippa’s Dwight Hines, all-time scorer Kerry Connolly as basketball coaches
After decades in red and black, Dwight Hines is embracing green energy at Sto-Rox.
PIAA set to make ‘biggest announcement’ regarding fall sports
August 20, 2020
The PIAA has been around for more than a century, and Friday’s decision surely ranks among its most debated.
Allegheny County Health Department offers to assist WPIAL with covid-19 restrictions
The WPIAL and Allegheny County Health Department will meet Friday to discuss plans for potentially playing high school sports this fall.
Health department restrictions could force Allegheny County football teams elsewhere
August 19, 2020
If there’s a high school football season this fall, teams from Allegheny County might play home games at stadiums in neighboring counties.
Quaker Valley halts team workouts after off-campus exposure to covid-19
August 18, 2020
Quaker Valley suspended all workouts by its sports teams after learning several athletes were exposed to covid-19 at an off-campus gathering, the school announced Tuesday.
PIAA wants to move forward with fall sports, executive director tells legislators
The PIAA wants to move forward with fall sports, executive director Bob Lombardi told state legislators Tuesday, citing favorable data collected by UPMC athletic trainers.
State’s health secretary says Gov. Wolf won’t mandate cancellation of high school sports
If the PIAA ignores Gov. Tom Wolf’s advice and allows fall sports to continue, his administration won’t turn his strong recommendation into a mandate.
State lawmakers question data used to recommend PIAA sports shutdown
August 17, 2020
Republican state lawmakers are questioning the specific data — or lack thereof — that Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration used to recommend shutting down youth sports this fall.
Freedom cancels football workouts over covid-19 concerns
Freedom administrators canceled football workouts for this week over concerns a player was possibly exposed to the coronavirus.
Kiski School will adopt bubble strategy to play sports
August 15, 2020
The NBA and NHL successfully used an isolation “bubble” to restart their sports, and now Kiski School will take that idea to the high school level.
PIAA ‘disappointed’ with answers in meeting with Gov. Wolf’s staff
August 14, 2020
In a word, Friday’s meeting with Gov. Tom Wolf’s staff was “uneventful.”
Gov. Wolf stands behind fall sports shutdown but says ‘I’m just one person’
August 13, 2020
Gov. Tom Wolf said he’s unlikely to change his recommendation to delay youth sports, no matter what the PIAA says, but described his role as “one person that has an opinion.”
WPIAL suspends Seton LaSalle assistant baseball coach for recruiting
August 12, 2020
A Seton LaSalle assistant baseball coach is facing a yearlong suspension for violating PIAA recruiting rules.
Summit Academy is 2nd WPIAL school to forgo fall sports
Summit Academy won’t play sports this fall, becoming the second WPIAL school to cancel athletics over covid-19 concerns.
State Rep. Mike Reese, Republican lawmakers take on governor on high school sports
August 11, 2020
A recommendation from Gov. Tom Wolf can easily turn into a mandate, said state Rep. Mike Reese, who wants the Legislature to act before that happens with youth sports.
As high school sports debate continues, Levine stands firm, Republicans plan legislation
August 10, 2020
State Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine stood firm Monday on delaying youth sports until next year, and two state legislators announced plans to join the debate over high school athletics.
WPIAL calls Gov. Wolf’s recommendation ‘uncalculated, inconsistent and unfair’
The WPIAL strongly supports playing high school sports this fall despite Gov. Tom Wolf’s recommendation they be postponed until January.
If PIAA shuts down, AAU teams, other private programs could flourish
August 7, 2020
Western Pa. Bruins basketball director John Tate jokes that his doctor recommends he eat fewer salt and vinegar chips. In many ways, he views Gov. Tom Wolf’s newest sports recommendation that same way.
PIAA delays fall sports for 2 weeks to talk with Gov. Wolf, state legislature
The PIAA heard “thousands of voices,” so it’s trying to save fall sports.
State legislator urges PIAA to keep high school sports in fall
The governor wants high school sports delayed until January, but at least one member of the state legislature disagrees.
Pittsburgh Public Schools plans to postpone fall sports in City League
August 6, 2020
Pittsburgh Public Schools announced plans Thursday to postpone fall sports in the City League, a move tied to the district’s decision to start classes exclusively online.
Gov. Wolf recommends high school sports be delayed until Jan. 1
With fall sports in the balance, will the PIAA treat Gov. Tom Wolf’s recommendation as a suggestion or a mandate?
Uncertainty remains for spectators hoping to attend high school games
August 5, 2020
New covid-19 guidelines for spectators at high school sporting events weren’t released Wednesday as many school administrators, coaches and fans had hoped.
Former WPIAL star Phil Jurkovec receives NCAA waiver, eligible at Boston College
August 4, 2020
Former WPIAL star quarterback Phil Jurkovec, who transferred from Notre Dame to Boston College in January, was granted an NCAA waiver Tuesday that makes him immediately eligible.
Central Valley’s Myles Walker commits to Akron
Central Valley’s Myles Walker, who celebrated a WPIAL football title last fall, committed Monday to Akron.
North Allegheny’s Nate Hoke commits to ‘dream school’ BYU, where dad played
Nate Hoke doesn’t promote himself on social media like many athletes his age.
Gov. Wolf: Online-only schools shouldn’t play sports this fall
August 3, 2020
Online classes await students at a number of schools this fall, but that wasn’t expected to keep their sports teams from competing.
Penn Hills could become 2nd WPIAL school to drop ‘Indians’ nickname
Penn Hills may become the second WPIAL school to drop its Indians nickname.
Patriot League school Lehigh ‘checked all boxes’ for Baldwin safety Connor Lavelle
Two of the colleges recruiting Connor Lavelle are about 15 miles apart in Eastern Pennsylvania, so he visited both on the same road trip.
WPIAL football recruits share written scholarship offers as Aug. 1 arrives
August 1, 2020
Now, it’s in writing.
WPIAL reveals 2 playoff formats with 8- or 4-team football brackets
July 31, 2020
The WPIAL revealed two football playoff options Friday, one if there are state playoffs this fall and another if they’re canceled in advance.
WPIAL delays start dates for fall sports
The WPIAL delayed the start date for most fall sports, a decision executive director Amy Scheuneman compared to a two-hour delay on a winter morning.
Start dates for WPIAL fall sports likely changing after board adopts ‘hybrid’ option
July 30, 2020
The start dates for WPIAL fall sports likely are changing.
PIAA emphasizes ban on spectators comes from Gov. Wolf — not PIAA
The PIAA released a statement Thursday emphasizing that the current ban on spectators at high school sports events was imposed by Gov. Tom Wolf — not the PIAA.
Some changes to fall sports timeline still on the table after PIAA meeting
July 29, 2020
Fall sports season might end earlier for some schools and start a little later for others.
No spectators allowed, according to new PIAA covid-19 guidelines
High school sports remain on schedule for the fall, but the new PIAA covid-19 guidelines approved Wednesday describe a season unlike any other.
Pa. health secretary: Data will guide state’s approach to high school sports
July 28, 2020
The PIAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee strongly recommends starting high school sports on time, but Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine declined to endorse that decision Tuesday.
Central Catholic basketball transfer Langston Moses eligible for regular season, WPIAL says
July 27, 2020
Central Catholic transfer Langston Moses is eligible for next boys basketball season but ineligible to play in the postseason, the WPIAL decided Monday.
WPIAL finals at Heinz Field in question as PIAA considers shorter football season
The WPIAL might not use Heinz Field for its football championships this fall for multiple reasons.
Dayton extends 1st Division I offers to 3 WPIAL football recruits
Three WPIAL football players drew their first Division I offers from the same Ohio school.
Football coaches association optimistic PIAA starts on time, offers scenarios if delayed
July 26, 2020
The Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association shared nine different scenarios with the PIAA in recent weeks, each with a different start date for the fall season.
With allegations behind him, Nick Lackovich returns as Aliquippa boys basketball coach
July 24, 2020
This was more than a job opportunity for Nick Lackovich, who was rehired Thursday as Aliquippa’s boys basketball coach.
No locker rooms at halftime? PIAA readies sport-specific guidelines for fall
July 23, 2020
The PIAA will release sport-specific guidelines for teams, coaches and officials next week, a key step in the return-to-play process for high school athletics.
Central Catholic running back Eddy Tillman announces 1st Division I offer
July 22, 2020
Central Catholic running back Eddy Tillman, a 2,000-yard rusher last season, received his first Division I college offer this week.
Flipped? Condensed? Overlapped? Options aren’t ideal if PIAA seasons need altered
There are days when Aaron Albert coaches football in the morning, sprints to his real estate job for a few hours and then heads to the ballpark for evening baseball.
Trinity’s Courtney Dahlquist commits to Big South champion Campbell
July 21, 2020
The Campbell women’s basketball roster is dotted with players from North Carolina and Virginia down to Florida, fitting for a team in the Big South.
Pine-Richland wide receiver Eli Jochem adds 1st Division I offer
Pine-Richland’s Eli Jochem, one of the WPIAL’s top receivers, announced his first Division I offer Monday from Fordham.
PIAA approves winter championship sites for next 4 seasons
July 19, 2020
Get your Hershey’s chocolate ready.
PIAA approves kicking game, scrimmage options for sub-varsity football teams
Middle school, junior high and junior varsity football coaches can eliminate kickoffs and punts this season, or turn their games into scrimmages, if they choose.
Heavily recruited Peters Township safety Donovan McMillon commits to Florida
July 18, 2020
At this time last summer, Peters Township safety Donovan McMillon didn’t have a single Division I football offer.
2 WPIAL rising sophomores add basketball offers from Minnesota
July 17, 2020
Minnesota women’s basketball coach Lindsay Whalen, a former Olympian and WNBA star, is recruiting two of the WPIAL’s top rising sophomores.
Neighboring states delay fall sports, but PIAA says ‘our folks don’t want that’
Pennsylvania is surrounded on three sides by states that already have delayed the start of fall sports, a list New York joined late this week.
PIAA approves weight class reduction for wrestling from 14 to 13
July 16, 2020
PIAA wrestling is dropping weight.
PIAA moving forward with fall sports as scheduled
July 15, 2020
The PIAA won’t cancel or delay fall sports, for now.
2 WPIAL sophomores announce basketball offers from Marshall
July 14, 2020
Two rising sophomores in WPIAL girls basketball received Division I offers from the same school Tuesday.
Perry searching for new football coach after Rod Rutherford resigns
Perry football coach Rod Rutherford has resigned, leaving his alma mater searching for a replacement just weeks before the season starts.
Pine-Richland’s Miguel Jackson becomes 3rd WPIAL senior committed to Liberty
Pine-Richland’s Miguel Jackson visited Liberty’s campus on Independence Day weekend and saw some fireworks on the drive home.
Pitt, Penn State make the cut as Gateway’s Derrick Davis narrows his college options
July 12, 2020
Pitt and Penn State both made the cut Sunday as Gateway football star Derrick Davis narrowed his college recruiting options.
Avonworth tight end Trevor Faulkner commits to Air Force Academy
Avonworth rising senior Trevor Faulkner, who had more than a dozen Division I offers, committed Sunday to Air Force.
Pitt commit Nahki Johnson announces offer from national champion LSU
July 11, 2020
West Mifflin’s Nahki Johnson committed to Pitt last summer, but on Saturday night he announced an offer from the defending BCS national champion.
Gateway’s Derrick Davis ready to narrow college football offers to Top 7
The WPIAL’s top football recruit is getting closer to a decision.
A few more doors open for Black athletic directors as WPIAL tries to promote diversity
When Sto-Rox hired LaRoi Johnson as athletic director this summer, he used social media to thank those who had opened doors for him in his career.
Another neighboring state decides to delay high school football season
Another of Pennsylvania’s neighbors is delaying the start of high school football season.
Mt. Lebanon’s Ashleigh Connor adds 1st Division I basketball offer
July 10, 2020
Mt. Lebanon’s Ashleigh Connor, one of the WPIAL’s top rising juniors, announced her first Division I basketball offer Friday from Xavier.
Should high school teams follow professional, college sports and test for covid-19?
July 7, 2020
Coronavirus testing is being used by professional and college teams to restart their seasons, so why not high school sports?
Coronavirus pandemic could worsen WPIAL shortage of football officials
July 4, 2020
The WPIAL doesn’t have enough football officials, and the coronavirus pandemic could make the shortage worse this fall.
Athletes not required to wear face masks during workouts, state says
July 3, 2020
Pennsylvania’s athletes are not required to wear a face mask during workouts or competition, according to guidance provided Friday by Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration.
Return-to-football workouts expose those ‘slacking’ when schools closed
Central Catholic’s campus was closed for three months, cutting off access to the football team’s weight room, but most players found ways to stay in shape.
Face mask ‘gray area,’ county restrictions cause schools to cancel workouts
July 2, 2020
Must high school athletes wear face masks during workouts?
Adam Kaufman resigns as Moon boys basketball coach ‘to be a dad’
July 1, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic forced Adam Kaufman to slow down, stay home and spend more time with his family.
PIAA optimistic football season starts on time as some states delay their kickoffs
High school football season won’t start on time in neighboring New Jersey, but Pennsylvania has no plans to delay kickoff.
Woodland Hills halts sports workouts to re-evaluate covid-19 guidelines
Woodland Hills was the first WPIAL school to resume summer workouts, but the Wolverines halted those sessions this week to re-evaluate their covid-19 guidelines.
Shaler uses caution, sends football players home over covid-19 concerns
June 30, 2020
Choosing to take a cautious approach, Shaler coach Jim Ryan sent his football team home early from workouts Tuesday after learning a family friend of a player could have contracted covid-19.
Penn Hills hires former Seton Hill star Chris Giles as boys basketball coach
June 29, 2020
When Chris Giles found out he would be Penn Hills’ new boys basketball coach, he immediately shared the news with the coach he was hired to replace.
Trib HSSN boys athlete of the year: Pine-Richland’s Spencer transforms from star QB to champion wrestler
It’s not uncommon for Pine-Richland’s Cole Spencer to be heavier in the fall than in the winter, a transformation that takes him from standout quarterback to champion wrestler.
Trib HSSN looks back at the top high school sports stories of the 2019-20 school year
11.1.19
Report: West A’s Austin Hendrick signs $4 million contract with Cincinnati Reds
June 26, 2020
Former West Allegheny star Austin Hendrick signed with the Cincinnati Reds on Friday.
Canon-McMillan girls soccer coach David Derrico resigns after 2 decades
Canon-McMillan girls soccer coach David Derrico, who won a state title with the Big Macs, resigned this week after two decades with the team.
Sto-Rox hires football coach LaRoi Johnson as AD, opens coaching jobs
June 25, 2020
The Sto-Rox school board hired football coach LaRoi Johnson as athletic director Thursday night and voted to hand him a clean slate of coaches.
Wanting to keep family close, Justin Walther accepts Winchester Thurston basketball job
While searching for a boys basketball job, coach Justin Walther wanted a high school that would treat him like family, but just as importantly, a place he could share with his family.
Aliquippa seeks applicants to replace boys basketball coach Dwight Hines
The Aliquippa school board is accepting applications for a new boys basketball coach, a decision that stunned coach Dwight Hines, whose tenure appears to be over.
Serra Catholic hires A.J. Corso as boys basketball coach
Serra Catholic hired A.J. Corso to take over the boys basketball team, the school announced Thursday.
Radio station. Food truck. Dance studio? Jamal Woodson’s energy earns him Baldwin basketball job
June 24, 2020
Jamal Woodson isn’t wrong when he says he’s got an energetic personality.
2 Pa. football teams, 1 from WPIAL make MaxPreps preseason Top 100 rankings
June 23, 2020
Defending WPIAL champion Central Catholic was one of two Pennsylvania football teams ranked in the MaxPreps preseason Top 100.
Pine-Richland hires assistant Bob Petcash as boys basketball coach
June 22, 2020
Pine-Richland stayed in-house Monday night and hired assistant Bob Petcash as its new boys basketball coach.
WPIAL connections lead Gateway defensive back Shane Thrift to Delaware
Shane Thrift hasn’t visited Delaware’s campus yet, but he’s confident he’ll feel comfortable there.
Pine-Richland’s Miguel Jackson identifies 9 finalists, wants to visit every campus
Pine-Richland defensive lineman Miguel Jackson set out to pick eight finalists from his list of 30 college offers, but that task proved harder than expected.
Montour’s Jaiden Hill sticks with 1st Division I offer, commits to Liberty
June 21, 2020
Jaiden Hill’s first offer turned out to be his favorite.
Q&A with new WPIAL executive director Amy Scheuneman: Will there be fall sports?
June 20, 2020
As Amy Scheuneman points out, there was no coronavirus pandemic when she agreed to become the WPIAL executive director. While that’s true, she’s certainly not running from the challenge.
Noel Roach commits to Akron after talks with former Penn Hills teammate
June 19, 2020
Noel Roach couldn’t visit Akron’s campus, so the Penn Hills senior found other ways to learn about the school and its football program.
WPIAL plans Diversity Advisory Council to better represent minority communities
The WPIAL soon could have a Diversity Advisory Council, created to give a louder voice to the challenges faced by minority communities.
WPIAL eliminates football, basketball pairings meetings in cost-cutting move
June 18, 2020
The longstanding WPIAL playoff tradition that drew football and basketball coaches to a crowded hotel conference room is ending.
PIAA could rewrite co-op rule, making combined teams easier for schools
June 16, 2020
The PIAA could rewrite its co-op rule this summer, making it easier for two schools to form a combined sports team.
Woodland Hills leads WPIAL football back to practice with workouts ‘normal as any other’
Woodland Hills football coach Tim Bostard checked every player’s temperature and nobody was allowed to shake hands.
PIAA approves state football brackets; WPIAL can finalize its playoff plans
June 15, 2020
The PIAA approved state tournament brackets for all sports except basketball Monday, meaning the WPIAL soon can finalize plans for its football playoffs and championship games.
PIAA adopts 2-game suspension for unsportsmanlike actions including ‘racially insensitive comments’
The PIAA strengthened its stance against “ethnic and racially insensitive comments” by making those and other unsportsmanlike actions punishable with a two-game suspension.
Serra baseball star Mark Black commits to juco that produced Jose Bautista, Russell Martin
June 14, 2020
Serra Catholic baseball star Mark Black had his future mapped out way in advance, committing to St. John’s before his sophomore year, until the coronavirus pandemic turned the world upside down.
Pine-Richland defensive lineman Miguel Jackson adds 3 more Division I offers
Pine-Richland defensive lineman Miguel Jackson added three more Division I offers this week, pushing his overall total to about 30.
2-game suspension for foul language, physical contact among items on PIAA agenda Monday
The PIAA could give final approval Monday to a rule change that lets game officials issue a two-game suspensions to coaches and players who cross the line with foul language or make physical contact.
Big 33 plans ‘watch party’ to celebrate players chosen for canceled all-star game
The covid-19 pandemic forced organizers to cancel the Big 33 Football Classic, but this year’s players will be honored online.
PIAA reveals tentative state basketball brackets for 2021, ’22 postseasons
June 13, 2020
The WPIAL will send only four Class 6A boys basketball teams to the state playoffs next season, according to preliminary brackets revealed by the PIAA.
Freshman-year visit leads Sto-Rox linebacker Diontae Givens to Duquesne
June 12, 2020
As a freshman, Diontae Givens tagged along with Sto-Rox football teammates for an unofficial recruiting visit to Duquesne.
West Allegheny’s Austin Hendrick selected 12th overall by Cincinnati Reds in MLB Draft
June 10, 2020
With a quick left-handed swing that packs plenty of pop, West Allegheny’s Austin Hendrick was naturally a Ken Griffey Jr. fan as a kid.
State releases covid-19 guidelines for restarting PIAA sports
Gov. Tom Wolf released covid-19 guidelines for restarting PIAA sports Wednesday, clearing the way for high school sports teams statewide to begin offseason workouts.
Will Austin Hendrick trade West Allegheny red for Cincinnati Reds in MLB draft?
June 9, 2020
Hot dogs with Skyline Chili and evenings at Great American Ball Park could be in Austin Hendrick’s future, if draft experts are correct.
Football coach Ryan Matsook returning to sidelines at Western Beaver
June 8, 2020
At Western Beaver, Ryan Matsook’s work duties already include assistant principal and athletic director.
Gov. Wolf: State will release covid-19 guidelines for PIAA in ‘next day or two’
The wait is almost over.
‘Position-less basketball’ draws Penn Hills’ A’Lysa Sledge to UMass Lowell
June 7, 2020
A’Lysa Sledge owns point guard skills and the size of a forward, a combination that lets her play every position on the floor for Penn Hills.
Indiana rising sophomore Eve Fiala draws Pitt basketball offer
Indiana’s Eve Fiala, who’s part of a talented 2023 WPIAL basketball class, added a scholarship offer Saturday from Pitt.
Sports might return sooner if schools prepare covid-19 plans now, PIAA says
June 5, 2020
The PIAA wants schools to use this downtime wisely.
Quaker Valley’s Bailey Garbee commits to American, turns teammates into rivals
Quaker Valley basketball teammates Bailey Garbee and Corinne Washington made college commitments this spring to separate schools, but they’ll still see one another at least a couple of times a year.
Covid-19 guidelines for PIAA sports won’t be ready this week
June 4, 2020
Athletes, coaches and high school administrators are growing impatient as more counties turn green, but they won’t see return-to-play guidelines for covid-19 until at least next week, according to a spokesman for the Pa. Department of Education.
Who were the PIAA football teams of the decade? MaxPreps ranks the Top 20
The most dominant high school football team in the state last decade wasn’t from Western Pennsylvania, but six WPIAL programs did make the list.
‘Sadness’ for athletes, coaches and alumni as Quigley Catholic closes doors
June 3, 2020
Where’s the rest of your team?
Kiski Area planning for fall sports season despite distance learning decision
Kiski Area’s superintendent announced plans to start next school year online, an approach other districts may adopt, but that doesn’t mean sports are canceled.
4 unanswered questions about PIAA sports, covid-19
June 2, 2020
Here are a few unanswered questions regarding PIAA sports and covid-19:
Penn State eliminated as Peters Township’s McMillon reveals Top 5
June 1, 2020
Peters Township junior Donovan McMillon eliminated Pitt and West Virginia a month ago, and now Penn State also disappeared from his list of college football destinations.
Iowa becomes 1st state to resume high school sports with baseball, softball
While Pennsylvania debates the future of fall sports, Monday was the first day of baseball and softball season for high schools in Iowa.
Will June be busy or quiet for 2021 WPIAL football recruits?
May 31, 2020
June can be a busy month for college football commitments, but will this year be different?
Concern about unsanctioned workouts grows as PIAA awaits guidelines from governor
May 29, 2020
Lawrence County has an abundance of grassy fields, without hash marks or end zones, and there’s probably kids throwing a football around on one.
Canon-Mac lineman Connor McMahon commits to ‘perfect school’ for hard work
May 28, 2020
Connor McMahon received a Naval Academy football offer on Memorial Day weekend and the timing didn’t go unnoticed by the Canon-McMillon junior.
PIAA in ‘holding pattern’ waiting for more information from governor
May 27, 2020
School districts in Lawrence and more than a dozen other Pennsylvania counties will soon enter the green phase, but the PIAA remains in a “holding pattern” waiting to hear what that means for high school sports.
Miniature Wash High gym showcases ‘underground hobby’ of paper stadiums
Trey Ashby never set foot inside Wash High’s basketball gym, but the Nebraska resident can describe the banners on the wall, the paint colors on the floor and the wooden seats that give the place its character.
WPIAL reveals 2021 baseball schedules with ‘long overdue’ 2-game section series
May 26, 2020
If a section opponent had a star pitcher, West Allegheny baseball coach Bryan Cornell always assumed his team would face him twice.
PIAA approves new classifications, divisions for competitive spirit
May 24, 2020
Competitive spirit, which became a PIAA sport eight years ago, will see some changes next season.
As Lawrence County transitions to green, football coaches eager to start workouts
May 22, 2020
Lawrence County is about to turn green, but the battery icon on Joe Cowart’s cell phone was trending toward red.
WPIAL reveals section schedules for 2020-21 basketball season
In WPIAL boys basketball, Butler vs. Pine-Richland has become one of the hottest section rivalries, with overtime finishes and single-digit margins driving up the drama.
Foul language, physical contact would earn 2-game suspension under PIAA proposal
May 21, 2020
The use of foul and vulgar language or physical contact with a PIAA game official, coach or opponent could become a two-game suspension for high school athletes and coaches.
PIAA board refers wrestling weight-class reduction to medical committee
The PIAA board referred a proposal to reduce wrestling weight classes to the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee for discussion.
PIAA denies Lincoln Park appeal, forces boys basketball team to Class 4A
May 20, 2020
The Lincoln Park boys basketball team must move to Class 4A next season after the PIAA denied its final appeal Wednesday.
New coach Dan DeRose wants to win North Allegheny’s first WPIAL boys basketball title
North Allegheny has never won a WPIAL boys basketball title.
PIAA not ready to endorse NFHS guidelines for reopening high school athletics
The PIAA isn’t ready to endorse the return-to-sports guidelines issued Tuesday by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
PIAA board says some teams may resume workouts next month, if governor approves
The PIAA board of directors unanimously supports a county-by-county approach to restarting high school sports, once the governor gives his approval.
National association issues detailed guide for reopening high school athletics
May 19, 2020
Players shouldn’t pass a basketball, hand off a football or share a baseball bat when high school sports workouts first resume, according to guidelines revealed Tuesday by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
WPIAL adopts 2-game series for section baseball schedules, reveals realignment
May 18, 2020
The WPIAL adopted a revamped baseball schedule Monday meant to keep teams from pitching their ace twice against the same section opponent.
North Allegheny expected to hire Dan DeRose as boys basketball coach
Another high-profile WPIAL basketball coach is expected to switch schools this week.
PIAA board of directors to discuss restarting sports county by county
Could the PIAA take a county-by-county approach to restarting sports, or should the entire state resume summer workouts at the same time?
Dek hockey athleticism earns North Hills lineman 1st college football offer
May 17, 2020
At 6-foot-5 and around 230 pounds, North Hills’ Matt Hummel is bigger than most dek hockey players.
Air Force Academy football makes recruiting push into Western Pa.
Two military service academies have successfully recruited Western Pennsylvania football players for years. Combined, Army and Navy had seven former WPIAL athletes on their rosters last fall.
Pine-Richland’s Luke Miller wastes no time making commitment to Kent State
May 16, 2020
Pine-Richland junior Luke Miller didn’t need long to decide.
Thomas Jefferson linebacker Preston Zandier commits to Youngstown State
Not often does a university president get involved in football recruiting, but these are unusual times.
Trinity junior Courtney Dahlquist adds 2 college basketball offers
May 15, 2020
Trinity junior Courtney Dahlquist, who saw her season cut short by the coronavirus outbreak, added two college offers this week.
Coronavirus pandemic speeds up recruiting for Western Pa. Bruins girls basketball players
May 14, 2020
If this were any other spring, Corinne Washington would be traveling to Detroit this weekend with her Western Pa. Bruins teammates for an AAU basketball tournament in the Motor City.
WPIAL reveals new basketball sections for 2020-21 season
May 12, 2020
Central Catholic coach Brian Urso will use this stay-at-home time to binge watch some game film. He spent his first season at Central learning all about the boys basketball teams to the north and now will study Westmoreland County.
NFHS votes down shot clock mandate for high school basketball
May 11, 2020
High school teams can still hold the basketball for as long as they’d like.
Lincoln Park wants PIAA to define ‘participation’ in competitive-balance rule
Lincoln Park athletic director Mike Bariski is curious about the PIAA’s definition of the word “participation.”
PIAA won’t force Chartiers Valley, North Catholic girls into higher classifications
The Chartiers Valley and North Catholic girls basketball teams won’t be forced into a higher classification next season, the PIAA told the schools Monday.
North Allegheny’s Nathan Hoke adds 2 more Division I football offers
May 10, 2020
North Allegheny junior Nathan Hoke, the son of a former Steelers defensive lineman, added two more football teams to his growing list of Division I offers.
7 schools file PIAA appeal contesting competitive-balance rule promotion
May 9, 2020
Seven schools statewide, including three from the WPIAL, filed appeals this week with the PIAA, all hoping their basketball teams can avoid being promoted by the competitive-balance rule.
Baldwin fires girls coach Kyle DeGregorio after defeating state’s top-ranked basketball team
May 8, 2020
Exactly two months after Baldwin’s girls basketball team upset the No. 1-ranked team in the state, coach Kyle DeGregorio lost his job.
Justin Walther resigns at Serra Catholic, seeks big-school basketball job
If you’re a big-school athletic director, Justin Walther would like to talk.
Basketball coach Bill Sacco retires after 18 seasons at Cornell
May 7, 2020
Bill Sacco had already retired from teaching and coaching when he noticed Cornell was hiring a boys basketball coach and decided to apply.
WPIAL board member, retired school administrator Enrico Antonini dies
Enrico “Rego” Antonini, a member of the WPIAL board of directors and a retired Beaver County school administrator, died Tuesday. He was 81.
Baldwin hires 5-time WPIAL champion Jeff Ackermann as boys basketball coach
May 6, 2020
Until this week, Jeff Ackermann coached basketball at Pine-Richland, lived in South Fayette and taught at Chartiers Valley, a commute that saw him and his family crisscross the county.
PIAA forcing 3 WPIAL basketball teams into higher classification, pending appeal
May 5, 2020
Three WPIAL basketball teams will be forced to play in a higher classification next season unless those schools can win a PIAA appeal.
Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame postpones induction banquet to 2021
May 4, 2020
The Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet will be postponed until next year, organizers announced Monday, in response to the covid-19 outbreak.
Could coach Jeff Ackermann turn around another basketball program in Baldwin?
Baldwin’s boys basketball team hasn’t won a WPIAL playoff game since 2003. The Highlanders reached the postseason only four times in the 17 years since, with four first-round losses.
Quaker Valley’s Corinne Washington commits to Boston University
May 3, 2020
There’s a third Division I basketball player in the Washington household.
Woodland Hills’ Peyton Pinkney commits to Eastern Michigan after virtual tour
May 2, 2020
Woodland Hills junior Peyton Pinkney took a tour of Eastern Michigan’s campus last week and never left her home.
Central Catholic football coaches deliver WPIAL championship rings door to door
What’s better than one WPIAL ring ceremony? How about 23?
Butler’s Ethan Morton named Player of the Year in Class 6A all-state voting
Butler’s Ethan Morton’s quest for a PIAA basketball title was cut short, but the senior earned statewide recognition Saturday as the state’s Class 6A Player of the Year in a vote of Pennsylvania sports writers.
Hotly recruited Peters Township safety Donovan McMillon names Top 10 list
May 1, 2020
Peters Township junior Donovan McMillon, who’s quickly become the WPIAL’s hottest football recruit, announced a top 10 list Friday that included Penn State but not Pitt or West Virginia.
Bethel Park’s Liv Westphal commits to Duquesne
Three years ago, Bethel Park’s Liv Westphal and her family took an unofficial recruiting visit to Duquesne before her freshman year of high school.
Mars’ Michael Carmody, Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher earn all-state honors in Class 5A boys basketball
Mars’ Michael Carmody and Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher, whose teams clashed in the WPIAL boys basketball finals, were named first-team all-state Friday.
‘Size doesn’t matter’ as South Fayette’s Charley Rossi adds first Division I offer
April 30, 2020
Charley Rossi took a break from helping his dad clean out the garage Monday to return a phone call to a college football coach.
WPIAL lands 2 players on Class 4A boys basketball all-state team
Highlands’ Johnny Crise and Central Valley’s Isiah Warfield will play different sports in college, but right now they’re both all-state basketball players.
North Catholic’s DeGregorios share all-state honors in Class 3A boys basketball
April 29, 2020
Two months after celebrating a WPIAL basketball title, North Catholic’s Dave and Isaac DeGregorio are sharing some statewide recognition.
WPIAL approves new basketball sections; won’t reveal them yet
April 28, 2020
Basketball sections for next season are almost ready, but WPIAL players, coaches and fans must wait a little longer to see them.
All-state boys basketball: OLSH’s DiMichele, Spadafora, Rodriguez lead Class 2A team
OLSH junior Dante Spadafora and sophomore Jake DiMichele earned first-team all-state honors Tuesday, and the Chargers’ Mike Rodriguez was named the state’s top coach in Class 2A.
PIAA shouldn’t enforce competitive-balance rule, Lincoln Park basketball coach says
April 27, 2020
If the PIAA competitive-balance rule forces the Lincoln Park boys basketball team into a higher classification next season, coach Mike Bariski thinks that’s unfair.
All-state boys basketball: Cornell’s Kaden DiVito named Player of the Year in Class A
Cornell’s Kaden DiVito, who saw his senior season cut short two wins away from the PIAA finals, earned statewide recognition Monday as the Class A boys basketball player of the year.
Moon sophomore Reilly Sunday adds 5 Division I offers since late March
April 26, 2020
Social distancing hasn’t kept basketball scholarship offers away from Moon’s Reilly Sunday.
Quaker Valley’s Corinne Washington adds Duquesne scholarship offer
Quaker Valley’s Corinne Washington, one of the WPIAL’s top juniors, added a scholarship offer Saturday from Duquesne women’s basketball coach Dan Burt.
Jeannette to pay sports officials despite cancellation of spring sports season
April 25, 2020
The PIAA canceled spring sports across the state, but Jeannette School District still will pay the officials scheduled to work its games.
WPIAL football has NFL draft streak that’s more than 2 decades long
April 23, 2020
The WPIAL has had at least one former player picked each year in the NFL draft since 1994, a remarkable streak that could be extended again this week.
Upper St. Clair football coach Jim Render among 12 selected for Pa. Sports Hall of Fame
Former Upper St. Clair football coach Jim Render, who retired last summer with the most wins in WPIAL history, was among 12 individuals chosen for induction into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame this fall.
All-state girls basketball: Ellis’ Natalie Jasper, Canevin’s Diajha Allen receive Class 2A honors
April 22, 2020
Ellis School junior Natalie Jasper and Bishop Canevin senior Diajha Allen, who led their teams deep into the playoffs, earned all-state honors Wednesday in Class 2A girls basketball.
All-state girls basketball: Rochester teammates share statewide honors in Class A
Rochester teammates Alexis Robison and Corynne Hauser, who repeated as WPIAL girls basketball champions, drew statewide recognition Wednesday by earning all-state honors in Class A.
All-state girls basketball: Mohawk’s Karly McCutcheon, Carlynton’s Jada Lee honored in Class 3A
April 21, 2020
Mohawk’s Karly McCutcheon and Carlynton’s Jada Lee, whose girls basketball teams met twice in the playoffs this winter, each earned all-state honors Tuesday in Class 3A.
All-state girls basketball: North Catholic’s Tess Myers, Kylee Lewandowski among 6 WPIAL players selected in 4A
North Catholic teammates Tess Myers and Kylee Lewandowski, who extended their team’s WPIAL title streak to four, shared first-team all-state girls basketball honors Tuesday in Class 4A.
Beaver Falls RB/LB Josh Hough commits to Syracuse
April 20, 2020
Beaver Falls junior Josh Hough, who saw his recruiting stock rise quickly in recent months, committed Monday to Syracuse.
Horse or no horse, Penn Hills football schedules scrimmage at Aliquippa
Jon LeDonne is taking his Penn Hills football team to Aliquippa to scrimmage at his alma mater’s stadium this fall.
Peters Township hires new coaches for boys, girls basketball teams
Peters Township filled two vacant coaching jobs Monday night by hiring Joe Urmann to lead the boys basketball team and Bob Miles to lead the girls.
All-state girls basketball: 8 WPIAL players, coach Tim McConnell earn statewide honors in 5A
Chartiers Valley teammates Aislin Malcolm and Megan McConnell earned first-team all-state honors along with Gateway’s Lexi Jackson as WPIAL girls basketball players dominated the statewide Class 5A vote Monday.
All-state girls basketball: NA’s Lizzy Groetsch, Spencer Stefko lead WPIAL’s 6A selections
North Allegheny junior Lizzy Groetsch and coach Spencer Stefko saw their PIAA girls basketball title hopes dashed by the coronavirus outbreak, but both earned statewide recognition Monday.
100 years ago, Pa. held its 1st state basketball tournament, but anniversary celebration on hold
March 19, 2020
Two thousand fans came to the Armory in State College to watch the first state basketball tournament in Pennsylvania high school history, a historic event from exactly 100 years ago.
Coronavirus outbreak could leave 6-figure dent in WPIAL budget
March 18, 2020
The coronavirus outbreak already has spring sports on hold indefinitely, but the WPIAL is bracing for off-the-field impacts as well from the unfolding pandemic.
Union lineman Aaron Gunn commits to Louisville
March 17, 2020
Union junior Aaron Gunn, one of the WPIAL’s top linemen, committed Tuesday to Louisville.
PIAA suspends chapter meetings for game officials until state reopens schools
The PIAA Officials Council has suspended all chapter meetings until Gov. Tom Wolf reopens schools, the PIAA announced in an email to Pennsylvania high school sports officials.
Former Baldwin AD Vince Sortino joining WPIAL administration as assistant to executive director
March 16, 2020
Former Baldwin athletic director Vince Sortino is returning to the WPIAL.
No guarantee spring sports are played, but WPIAL discusses ‘what if’ scenarios
The WPIAL board discussed contingency plans for spring sports season behind closed doors Monday, but “anything at this point is uncertain,” associate executive director Amy Scheuneman said.
Future of spring sports season will be considered Monday by WPIAL board
March 13, 2020
The PIAA already postponed the end of winter sports season, but now spring sports might also be in danger.
Caught in limbo, WPIAL basketball teams wonder if delay turns into cancellation
Along with coaching basketball, Spencer Stefko teaches world cultures at North Allegheny, a job that has him studying the effects of a viral pandemic.
PIAA suspends basketball tournament, swimming championships for 2 weeks
March 12, 2020
The PIAA will reassess the coronavirus situation in two weeks, said executive director Bob Lombardi, and decide then whether to resume the winter sports championships.
Butler completes another crazy comeback, defeats Upper St. Clair in PIAA 2nd round
March 11, 2020
The question on everybody’s mind this week in Butler was: How is Ethan Morton’s injured ankle?
North Allegheny bans spectators from athletics events as coronavirus precaution
In response to coronavirus concerns, North Allegheny will ban spectators from attending all home sporting events until April 13, the school district decided Wednesday.
Girls basketball sites, times: North Allegheny, Bethel Park travel to Bellefonte for PIAA quarterfinals
WPIAL finalists North Allegheny and Bethel Park will play on the same floor Friday night, one after the other as part of a PIAA girls basketball doubleheader at Bald Eagle in Bellefonte.
Boys basketball sites, times: PIAA schedules quarterfinal doubleheader at Hempfield
The PIAA scheduled a boys basketball quarterfinal doubleheader Friday night at Hempfield involving two WPIAL Class A teams.
Mt. Lebanon says it won’t play PIAA tournament game vs. Eastern Pa. team because of coronavirus
Mt. Lebanon School District administrators, concerned about coronavirus, informed the PIAA that its boys basketball team wouldn’t participate in Wednesday night’s playoff game against Eastern Pa. opponent Cheltenham.
Scheduled to close, Vincentian Academy ends basketball season with emotional PIAA loss
This was the teary-eyed postgame talk that coach Tim Tyree dreaded, one that he and his Vincentian Academy players tried to delay for as long as possible.
‘Most spectators’ barred from Ohio high school events over coronavirus concerns; Conn. cancels tournaments
March 10, 2020
Facing concerns about coronavirus, state high school associations across the country are deciding whether to alter their postseason plans.
PIAA moves Butler-Upper St. Clair boys basketball game to Robert Morris
The PIAA has relocated the boys basketball playoff game between Butler and Upper St. Clair to Robert Morris’s UPMC Events Center.
PIAA says skip handshakes, but championships still on schedule despite coronavirus concerns
March 9, 2020
Elbow bumps could replace handshakes.
3 WPIAL indoor track athletes earn 1st-team PTFCA all-state honors
March 8, 2020
Indiana’s Kendall Branan, North Allegheny’s Casey Burton and Shaler’s Cam Mbalo earned first-team all-state indoor track honors from the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association.
PIAA announces sites, times for 2nd-round girls basketball games
The PIAA announced sites and times for second-round basketball playoff games Sunday.
PIAA announces sites, times for 2nd-round boys basketball games
The PIAA announced sites and times for second-round basketball playoff games Sunday.
Lincoln Park’s Andre Wilder delays knee surgery with PIAA 1st-round win
March 7, 2020
Andre Wilder is trying to postpone knee surgery one win at a time.
Back from injury, Josh Russell’s 3-pointers lift USC over Allderdice in PIAA 1st round
Upper St. Clair’s unofficial team motto was: “Let’s get Russ in uniform one more time.”
Sean Snead’s 3-pointers lead Obama past Penn Hills in PIAA 1st round
March 6, 2020
A first-half shot can’t be called a game-winner, especially one that only ties the score, but the energy from Sean Snead’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer was felt long after halftime.
WPIAL accepts apology, reduces suspension for Mars’ Michael Carmody
March 5, 2020
The WPIAL accepted senior Michael Carmody’s apology and reduced his suspension to one game, Mars athletic director Scott Heinauer said Thursday.
Mars’ Michael Carmody ‘remorseful, apologetic’ for WPIAL championship actions
March 4, 2020
Michael Carmody came to Green Tree on Wednesday asking for his two-game suspension to be reduced, but first he was there to apologize, said his father, Mars basketball coach Rob Carmody.
Mars’ Michael Carmody faces 2-game suspension for WPIAL championship actions
March 2, 2020
Mars senior Michael Carmody, one of Western Pennsylvania’s top athletes, faces a possible two-game WPIAL suspension for his actions in the Class 5A boys basketball championship.
3 WPIAL track athletes win state titles at PTFCA indoor championship
Indiana senior Kendall Branan was one of three WPIAL track athletes who won state titles Sunday at the PTFCA indoor championship at Penn State.
PIAA girls basketball sites, times for 1st-round games
March 1, 2020
The PIAA announced sites and times for first-round playoff basketball games.
PIAA announces boys basketball sites, times for 1st-round games
The PIAA announced sites and times for first-round playoff basketball games.
Butler tops Mt. Lebanon for WPIAL Class 6A title, team’s 1st since 1991
February 29, 2020
Ethan Morton waited four years for this celebration, but he had tears in his eyes knowing that his coach and his hometown had waited far longer.
Butler, Mt. Lebanon are familiar foes in WPIAL Class 6A championship rematch
Butler was in the locker room getting ready for its semifinal at Robert Morris’ new arena, but senior Ethan Morton tried to catch a little of Mt. Lebanon’s game ahead of theirs.
Star freshman Rodney Gallagher leads Laurel Highlands past Mars in WPIAL Class 5A thriller
February 28, 2020
There are 131,504 residents in Fayette County, and Rodney Gallagher might’ve hugged them all Friday night.
Mars’ Carmody, Laurel Highlands’ Gallagher share spotlight in WPIAL 5A final
One is a 290-pound senior signed to play football at Notre Dame. The other is a 150-pound freshman with Division I basketball offers.
North Catholic upends two-time defending champ Lincoln Park in Class 3A title game
February 27, 2020
Isaac DeGregorio sensed that the run was coming.
North Catholic seeks better shooting night in championship rematch with Lincoln Park
Nearly a year after the loss, North Catholic coach Dave DeGregorio forced himself to watch the video of his team’s WPIAL championship.
Butler rallies past USC in overtime, earns return trip to WPIAL finals
February 26, 2020
Doubt crept into Ethan Morton’s mind for a moment Wednesday night as Butler trailed by five with less than a minute left.
Mars’ Michael Carmody flexes muscles against Chartiers Valley, returns to WPIAL finals
February 25, 2020
Michael Carmody has already won two WPIAL basketball championships and contributed to both, but the Mars senior wasn’t responsible for leading the Planets to Petersen Events Center either time.
Baldwin assistant hired as Bishop Canevin’s 4th football coach in 4 years
Bishop Canevin has hired former Baldwin assistant Richard Johnson as football coach, the school announced Tuesday.
Lincoln Park earns 5th straight trip to WPIAL finals with whistle-heavy win over Aliquippa
February 24, 2020
Nobody wanted 56 fouls called, but nobody was too surprised, either.
WPIAL announces sites, times for basketball semifinals
February 23, 2020
The UPMC Events Center at Robert Morris will host a WPIAL basketball playoff doubleheader Wednesday.
Mt. Lebanon’s Patrick Anderson among nation’s best after TSTCA Indoor Championship
Mt. Lebanon senior Patrick Anderson ran one of the fastest 3,000-meter times in the nation this season at the TSTCA Indoor Championship Saturday at Edinboro.
Strong 2nd half carries Upper St. Clair past Pine-Richland, into semifinals
February 22, 2020
Maybe it is the team’s gritty style. Maybe it is coaching adjustments, or maybe it is just the names on the roster.
Laurel Highlands scores with 3.5 seconds left, stuns No. 1 Penn Hills in WPIAL quarterfinals
February 21, 2020
Laurel Highlands coach Rick Hauger called for a timeout, but the crowd was still raucous from Penn Hills’ game-tying 3-pointer.
South Allegheny uses buzzer-beater to defeat Beaver Falls, reach WPIAL semifinals
February 20, 2020
Bryce Epps wasn’t having his best shooting night, but suddenly a loose ball was at his feet.
West Allegheny hires Dave Schoppe as football coach
West Allegheny looked to its past to find its future head football coach.
Sheldon Cox leads New Castle to WPIAL 1st-round win against Mt. Pleasant
February 19, 2020
If he could’ve changed anything, Mt. Pleasant coach Allan Bilinskyh would’ve picked a gym with tighter rims.
22 WPIAL football players selected for PSFCA East-West Game
Two WPIAL quarterbacks, Seneca Valley’s Gabe Lawson and Baldwin’s Mason Stahl, were chosen to lead the West all-stars in the PSFCA East-West Game on Memorial Day weekend.
Senior-led Bethel Park tops North Allegheny, celebrates 1st playoff win since 2016
The similarities to two years ago had crossed their minds — same gym, same playoff round — but Bethel Park’s seniors made sure the similarities ended there.
WPIAL approves section alignments for winter sports, basketball must wait
February 18, 2020
The WPIAL released updated sections for some winter sports, but basketball won’t be ready for awhile.
WPIAL approves site, schedule change for cross country championships
February 17, 2020
The WPIAL cross country championships will return to Cal (Pa.) next fall with an overhaul to the race schedule.
WPIAL wrestling realignment takes geographical approach
The WPIAL board approved new wrestling sections Monday based more on geography and less on competitive balance.
North Allegheny’s Casey Burton holds No. 1 spot in state long jump rankings
North Allegheny’s Casey Burton ranks first in the state in girls long jump after winning the TSTCA indoor meet Saturday in Edinboro.
Chartiers Valley sophomore Aislin Malcolm receives Princeton offer
Chartiers Valley sophomore Aislin Malcolm, who hasn’t lost a game in two seasons, announced a college basketball offer Sunday from Princeton.
Peters Township safety Donovan McMillon announces Penn State offer
February 16, 2020
Add Penn State’s James Franklin to the growing list of college football coaches hoping to recruit Peters Township junior Donovan McMillon.
North Allegheny junior Khalil Dinkins adds Penn State offer
The college options for North Allegheny’s Khalil Dinkins jumped significantly this month with scholarship offers from Penn State and Michigan.
Dwindling number of high school officials part of troubling nationwide trend
February 15, 2020
As a high school basketball official in his early 20s, Joe Strednak wasn’t much older than the athletes on the court. Occasionally, someone would test his poise as the youngest ref on his crew.
WPIAL’s 2nd-leading scorer exits early as Aliquippa defense stops Steel Valley
Aliquippa had a strategy for facing the WPIAL’s second-leading scorer: Trap Steel Valley’s Camden Polak whenever he touched the ball, keep it out of his hands if possible and make him work for every shot.
10 WPIAL players selected for Big 33 Football Classic
February 12, 2020
Thomas Jefferson teammates Logan Danielson and Mac Duda were among 10 WPIAL players selected Wednesday for the Big 33 Football Classic.
WPIAL seeds Fox Chapel above Upper St. Clair despite late-season loss
February 11, 2020
More than two dozen times, Upper St. Clair coach Danny Holzer has traveled to Green Tree to see the boys basketball playoff brackets revealed.
Breaking down the 2020 WPIAL boys basketball playoffs
Here is a breakdown of the 2020 WPIAL boys basketball playoffs:
Football coach Loran Cooley leaves Baldwin after 3 years for college job
February 10, 2020
Loran Cooley wants to become a full-time football coach once he retires as a Pennsylvania state trooper, a transition that’s not too far in the future.
WPIAL bracketology: Chris Harlan, Don Rebel predict 2020 boys basketball playoff pairings
February 9, 2020
It’s that time of year, WPIAL bracketology 2020.
Pine-Richland schedules Week Zero football game in New Jersey
Twice, Pine-Richland’s football team used Week Zero to play out-of-state opponents from Ohio, and once the team faced a school from Florida.
Trib WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Feb. 8, 2020
February 8, 2020
WPIAL rankings
Trib WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Feb. 8, 2020
WPIAL rankings
Western Pa.’s top 10 football prospects for the Class of 2021
February 5, 2020
If you wanted to spot some of the top college football coaches in the country, there was no need to fly to Clemson, S.C., or Ann Arbor, Mich.
WPIAL football recruits make commitments official on signing day
The addition of an early signing period in December has reduced the number of Division I recruits using the traditional early-February date, but a handful of WPIAL football seniors waited it out.
Quaker Valley defeats Blackhawk, creates 1st-place tie in unpredictable Section 2
February 4, 2020
The WPIAL’s wildest section won’t tame easily.
WPIAL approves 2 GCC transfers; Bailey Kuhns remains ineligible for basketball playoffs
February 3, 2020
Girls basketball standout Bailey Kuhns is immediately eligible to join Greensburg Central Catholic’s lineup, but the sophomore won’t be allowed to take part in the upcoming playoffs.
WPIAL finds no evidence of racial taunts in Leechburg-Propel Andrew Street game
The WPIAL found no evidence a Propel Andrew Street boys basketball coach was the target of racial taunts during a game last month, but Leechburg will take proactive steps anyway.
WPIAL to hold hearing for Leechburg basketball game, Greensburg CC transfers
February 2, 2020
The WPIAL wants to know why the Propel Andrew Street vs. Leechburg boys basketball game was cut short Jan. 17 and whether anyone in attendance used racially charged taunts.
Trib HSSN WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Feb. 1, 2020
February 1, 2020
WPIAL rankings
Trib WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Feb. 1, 2020
WPIAL rankings
WPIAL releases football schedules for 2020 season
January 30, 2020
The loudest complaints from WPIAL football teams were about travel and blowouts.
Central Valley trio announces 1st FBS offers from same MAC school
January 29, 2020
Central Valley teammates Ameer Dudley, Stephon Hall and Myles Walker celebrated a WPIAL football championship last fall at Heinz Field.
Gateway wideout Chamor Price adds 9th FBS offer this month
Gateway wideout Chamor Price had a breakout season last year and college coaches have taken notice.
PIAA rejects Quaker Valley wrestler Hunter Robison’s request to compete in postseason
Quaker Valley transfer Hunter Robison’s hopes to wrestle this season were dashed by the PIAA.
Butler clinches 1st boys basketball section title since 1992
January 28, 2020
Basketball coach Matt Clement was a junior on the team’s roster the last time Butler won a section title, but he watched Tuesday night as that 28-year wait finally ended.
Two-way Gateway football standout Tui Brown commits to UConn
Gateway senior Tui Brown, a two-way standout for the WPIAL champion, committed Sunday to UConn.
Thomas Jefferson’s Shane Stump commits to Duquesne
January 27, 2020
Thomas Jefferson’s Shane Stump, who led the Jaguars to undefeated WPIAL and PIAA football titles, committed Monday to Duquesne.
Colgate football adds another recruit from Mt. Lebanon
Mt. Lebanon senior Evan Jones, an all-conference running back for the Blue Devils, announced his commitment Sunday to Colgate.
PIAA considers significant change for football heat acclimatization week
January 26, 2020
Heat acclimatization week might become a little more eventful for PIAA football teams.
Trib WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 25, 2020
January 25, 2020
WPIAL rankings
Trib WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 25, 2020
WPIAL rankings
Former WPIAL star recruits Montour lineman George Padezanin to Lehigh
Montour lineman George Padezanin committed Saturday to Lehigh, recruited to the Patriot League school by a former WPIAL football standout.
WPIAL, Philadelphia-area football teams separated under PIAA playoff proposal
January 22, 2020
MECHANICSBURG — The PIAA might move Pittsburgh and Philadelphia a little farther apart.
Aliquippa drops PIAA appeal, accepts promotion to Class 4A football
MECHANICSBURG — Aliquippa accepted its football team’s fate Wednesday and the school ended efforts to stay in Class 3A.
Quaker Valley transfer Hunter Robison remains ineligible to wrestle this season
January 21, 2020
Quaker Valley wrestler Hunter Robison, a talented midseason transfer from General McLane, might not suit up for the Quakers this season.
WPIAL rules GCC transfers Bailey Kuhns, Mark Mizerak ineligible
The WPIAL ruled a pair of Greensburg Central Catholic transfers ineligible Monday.
WPIAL will address Propel Andrew Street’s allegations of racial slurs by Leechburg in boys basketball game
January 20, 2020
The WPIAL board voted Monday to call in school administrators and boys basketball coaches from Propel Andrew Street and Leechburg to address allegations of racial slurs.
WPIAL reveals football conference alignment for 2020, 2021 seasons
The WPIAL has witnessed a decline in football attendance, so it took steps Monday to address those concerns.
Big 33 sees 3 alumni reach Super Bowl, extends streak to 54 years
January 19, 2020
The Big 33 Football Classic’s Super Bowl streak continues with help from a former WPIAL athlete.
East Allegheny wide receiver Tyler Padezan commits to Duquesne
East Allegheny’s Tyler Padezan, who earned all-conference honors at wide receiver and defensive back, committed Sunday to Duquesne.
Trib WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 18, 2020
January 18, 2020
WPIAL rankings
Trib WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 18, 2020
WPIAL rankings
Important questions remain as WPIAL football realignment process continues
January 17, 2020
The WPIAL has already requested a weekend at Heinz Field for the football finals, but it’s too early to say which classifications will play their championships at the North Shore stadium.
Woodland Hills basketball showcase draws teams from 7 states for anti-violence event
High school basketball teams from seven states are headed to Woodland Hills this weekend for the Martin Luther King Weekend Stand Against Violence Showcase, a four-day event that features 41 boys and girls varsity games.
Butler football skips independent route, joins District 10 as associate member
January 16, 2020
District 10 accepted Butler’s football team as an associate member Wednesday after the WPIAL endorsed the move.
West Allegheny’s Austin Hendrick next WPIAL standout who could join MLB ranks
January 15, 2020
West Allegheny’s Austin Hendrick tells a story about hitting baseballs two years ago with Neil Walker, the former Pine-Richland player and first-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
WPIAL headed for minor, not major, football realignment
January 14, 2020
WPIAL football will have some smaller conferences and handpicked nonconference matchups next season, but schools don’t want a radical overhaul.
PIAA denies Aliquippa request to remain in Class 3A football
The PIAA competitive-balance rule seems particularly harsh on lower-income communities like Aliquippa, said athletic director Brandon LeDonne, where residents tend to be more transient.
Will Pirates use 1st-round pick on West Allegheny’s Austin Hendrick?
January 13, 2020
West Allegheny baseball star Austin Hendrick, ranked as the top high school bat in the country, is expected to hear his name called early in this summer’s MLB Draft.
Shenango shot putter Emma Callahan ranks 1st nationally in indoor season
January 12, 2020
Shenango sophomore Emma Callahan climbed to the top of the national shot put rankings this weekend.
Trib WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 12, 2020
January 11, 2020
WPIAL girls basketball rankings
Trib WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 11, 2020
WPIAL rankings
Short-handed Upper St. Clair uses ‘7 starters’ in victory over Bethel Park
With two starters out with injuries, Upper St. Clair could’ve easily explained away a lackluster effort Friday night, but the Panthers made sure that wasn’t necessary.
Charity basketball event draws out-of-state talent to Montour
January 10, 2020
The Winter Jamfest to End Domestic Violence, a five-game basketball showcase, will bring out-of-state talent to Montour’s gym Saturday.
West Allegheny football coach Chris Lucas resigns after 1 season
West Allegheny is searching once again for a new football coach.
Gateway’s Derrick Davis accepts invitation to Under Armour All-American Game
Derrick Davis hasn’t decided his college future yet, but he knows where he’ll be next January.
Quaker Valley wrestling adds transfer ranked 2nd in state
January 9, 2020
Sophomore wrestler Hunter Robison, who’s ranked second in the state, has transferred to Quaker Valley.
2 WPIAL football realignment proposals would cut down on travel
WPIAL football teams will play games closer to home next season, one way or another.
WPIAL football realignment: Small tweaks or major overhaul? Schools will decide
January 8, 2020
The WPIAL revealed two football realignments options Wednesday night, one that only tweaks the current format and another that would change the landscape drastically.
Ethan Morton’s triple-double leads Butler past rival Pine-Richland in OT
Ethan Morton’s 3-point shot wasn’t falling and Pine-Richland’s defense didn’t allow many layups, so Butler’s star prevailed instead with free throws.
Butler high jumper ranks 2nd nationally after TSTCA indoor opener
January 5, 2020
Butler high jumper Sami Taoufik started his TSTCA indoor track season Saturday with an early-season victory that has him ranked second nationally.
Trib WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 5, 2020
January 4, 2020
WPIAL rankings
Trib WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Jan. 5, 2020
WPIAL rankings
2010s TribLive HSSN All-Decade Football Team: Coaches
The WPIAL awarded 48 football titles during the past decade and most of them went to the same 10 coaches.
2010s TribLive HSSN All-Decade Football Team: Defense
January 3, 2020
When the NFL playoffs arrive this weekend, three WPIAL defensive stars from the past decade will be in uniform, a testament to the football talent Western Pennsylvania produces.
Struggling Butler football program leaving WPIAL for independent schedule
Worried that years of losing will force its program to someday fold, Butler decided it won’t play WPIAL football next season and instead will put together an independent schedule.
2010s TribLive HSSN All-Decade Football Team: Offense
January 2, 2020
The 2010s were a record-setting decade for WPIAL football teams, with career, single-season and single-game record books rewritten more than once.
Trib WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Dec. 29, 2019
December 28, 2019
WPIAL rankings
Trib WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Dec. 29, 2019
WPIAL rankings
Class 2A all-state football: Avonworth’s Duke Johncour named Coach of the Year
Fresh off their team’s first PIAA championship appearance, two Avonworth players earned all-state honors Saturday and Duke Johncour was named Pennsylvania’s Coach of the Year in Class 2A.
Class 4A all-state football: 4 Thomas Jefferson players selected, Cherpak voted top coach
Thomas Jefferson’s quarterback, top running back, wide receiver and lineman all earned all-state honors Saturday, statewide recognition for winning WPIAL and PIAA titles with an undefeated 16-0 record.
Class 6A all-state football: Central Catholic leads WPIAL with 4 players
Central Catholic senior Jonathan Opalko twice made game-winning field goals in the playoffs and had a school-record 54-yarder in the regular season, kicks that earned him all-state honors Saturday.
Class A all-state football: West Greene’s Ben Jackson named Pa. Player of the Year
December 27, 2019
West Greene’s Ben Jackson became the first player in WPIAL history to rush for 3,000 yards in a single season, an achievement that earned him accolades this fall.
Class 3A all-state football: Central Valley leads WPIAL teams with 4 honorees
WPIAL champion Central Valley, which returned to the PIAA finals for the first time in five years, was rewarded Friday with four all-state selections.
Class 5A all-state football: Peters Township, Gateway, Moon claim multiple spots
WPIAL finalists Gateway and Peters Township combined Friday to fill five spots on the Class 5A all-state team led by Gators junior Derrick Davis, who was picked for the second consecutive year.
Trib WPIAL boys basketball rankings: Week ending Dec. 22, 2019
December 21, 2019
WPIAL rankings
Trib WPIAL girls basketball rankings: Week ending Dec. 22, 2019
WPIAL rankings
Western Pa. football recruits make official commitments during early signing period
December 18, 2019
The early signing period for Division I football recruits arrived Wednesday and high school seniors across Western Pennsylvania took to social media to reveal their official commitments.
Transfers will force Aliquippa football to Class 4A, pending appeal to PIAA
December 17, 2019
Aliquippa ranks among the smallest football schools in the WPIAL, with only four more boys than Jeannette and nine fewer than Shenango.
WPIAL denies Butler request to join District 10 in football
Mired in a 20-game losing streak, Butler’s football team asked to leave the WPIAL and join District 10, but that request was denied by the WPIAL board Monday.
Missouri wrestling champion Wyatt Henson eligible for WPIAL, PIAA tournaments
December 16, 2019
Waynesburg transfer Wyatt Henson, a Missouri state wrestling champion, was ruled eligible Monday for the WPIAL and PIAA tournaments this winter.
WPIAL executive director Tim O’Malley retiring, board promotes Amy Scheuneman
The WPIAL will have a change in leadership this summer.
North Allegheny’s Sam Sheridan commits to Patriot League football
North Allegheny’s Sam Sheridan, an all-conference defensive end, has committed to Lehigh.
Seton LaSalle’s Max Schipani follows high school connections to Albany
December 15, 2019
Seton LaSalle’s Max Schipani will play college football for a coach who knows his high school very well.
Gateway’s Derrick Davis named TribLive HSSN Football Player of the Year
With nearly 30 college scholarship offers, Gateway’s Derrick Davis admits he’s had to look back through his Twitter timeline just to remember them all.
Undefeated state champions, record-setting rusher among Trib 25 football all-stars
December 14, 2019
The WPIAL crowned six more champions this season, each with a unique story to tell. There was an undefeated state champion who celebrated win No. 16 in Hershey and a running back from Greene County who became the first to 3,000 yards.
WPIAL boys basketball rankings for week of Dec. 15, 2019
Boys
WPIAL girls basketball rankings for Week of Dec. 15, 2019
Class 6A
PCN will re-air Pine-Richland’s snowy 2003 PIAA football final
December 12, 2019
The images are among the most iconic in PIAA football championship history.
WPIAL survey results: Schools favor 6 playoff brackets, mixed on realignment approach
The WPIAL’s football survey produced mixed results on some topics, but a clear majority of schools want to keep six separate playoff brackets.
PIAA could force Aliquippa football to Class 4A under competitive-balance rule
December 11, 2019
Add Aliquippa to the list of football teams that might be forced into a higher classification next season.
Influential WPIAL administrator Charles ‘Ace’ Heberling dies
December 9, 2019
Charles “Ace” Heberling, who directed the WPIAL for more than two decades and is credited with making the league what it is today, died Monday. He was 94.
Peters Township’s Donovan McMillon adds 2 offers as NCAA coaches enter contact period
High school football players are in the midst of a two-week contact period on the NCAA recruiting calendar, a 14-day span that’s kept WPIAL juniors busy.
Gateway sophomore Patrick Body adds first Division I football offer
Gateway sophomore Patrick Body made two of the Gators’ most important catches in the playoffs and was rewarded this week with his first Division I college offer.
WPIAL leading receiver David Pantelis announces offer from Duquesne
December 8, 2019
As the WPIAL’s leading receiver, Upper St. Clair’s David Pantelis earned the attention of WPIAL defensive coordinators all across Class 5A.
Wyoming Area’s late rally stuns Central Valley in PIAA championship
December 7, 2019
HERSHEY — Momentum might be a myth to some, but Central Valley believes in it wholeheartedly.
Going up? PIAA could force Southern Columbia, others into higher football classification
Southern Columbia has no equal in Class 2A football, a lesson Avonworth learned Friday.
Southern Columbia routs Avonworth in record-setting PIAA championship
December 6, 2019
HERSHEY — Avonworth’s Park Penrod and Trevor Faulkner connected for an electric 43-yard touchdown pass on the opening possession Friday, and for more than 4 minutes, the Antelopes led the state championship.
Thomas Jefferson dominates Dallas, celebrates 4th PIAA title
December 5, 2019
HERSHEY — Thomas Jefferson’s Bill Cherpak had coached 24 seasons, won seven WPIAL titles and celebrated three state championships before this year.
Avonworth will ‘relish’ underdog role against 9-time PIAA champion Southern Columbia
Avonworth coach Duke Johncour acknowledges the apparent mismatch his football team is walking into Friday when the Antelopes make their first state championship appearance.
Thomas Jefferson sees ‘mirror image’ in state championship opponent Dallas
December 4, 2019
Instead of heading home after last week’s semifinal win, Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak and a few assistants drove two hours from Hollidaysburg to Danville to watch Dallas win the other state semifinal.
Ambridge basketball coach Mark Jula retires week before season opener
December 2, 2019
Ambridge boys basketball coach Mark Jula started to question his passion for the job, so he retired a week before the season opener.
Central Catholic loses in overtime to nationally ranked St. Joseph’s Prep
November 30, 2019
ALTOONA — Nationally ranked St. Joseph’s Prep needed overtime Saturday to defeat Central Catholic, 31-24, but the WPIAL champion didn’t leave Mansion Park Stadium satisfied with just coming close.
Fast start leads Thomas Jefferson to PIAA semifinal victory over Lampeter-Strasburg
November 29, 2019
HOLLIDAYSBURG — After an 11-year wait, Thomas Jefferson is finally headed back to Hershey, but there wasn’t much suspense in the victory that made it happen.
Central Catholic ‘not awestruck’ by nationally ranked St. Joseph’s Prep
National rankings list St. Joseph’s Prep as one of the best high school football teams not only in Pennsylvania but in the entire country.
Gateway star Derrick Davis ‘game-time decision’ as Gators draw rematch with Archbishop Wood
November 27, 2019
Archbishop Wood had a four-star recruit two years ago when the Philadelphia Catholic League power walloped Gateway in a lopsided state championship game.
Thomas Jefferson, Belle Vernon lead Big Eight all-conference with 8 players each
Conference champion Thomas Jefferson had eight players earn first-team all-conference honors in the Big Eight, and quarterback Shane Stump was named Offensive Player of the Year in a vote of coaches.
Central Valley tops Tri-County West with 11 all-conference selections
Beaver Falls running back Josh Hough and Keystone Oaks quarterback Logan Schrubb shared Offensive MVP honors in the Tri-County West in a vote of conference coaches.
Burgettstown tops Three Rivers all-conference with 9 on 1st team
Burgettstown completed its second consecutive undefeated regular season and was rewarded by Three Rivers coaches with nine players on the all-conference first team.
Clairton’s Brendan Parsons, Jeannette’s Justin Cramer lead Eastern all-conference team
Clairton and Jeannette, the top two teams in the Eastern, had 19 players combined earn first-team all-conference honors in a vote of coaches.
West Greene record-setter Ben Jackson leads Tri-County South all-conference
West Greene running back Ben Jackson, who became the first WPIAL rusher to top 3,000 yards in a season, was among the players recognized by coaches in the Class A Tri-County South.
Undefeated Avonworth earns 14 spots on all-conference 1st team in Allegheny
Undefeated conference champion Avonworth dominated the all-conference voting this season by claiming 14 of the available 28 first-team spots.
Cornell, Laurel sweep individual awards on Big 7 all-conference team
Cornell earned a share of the Big Seven title and a home playoff game for only the second time in school history, accomplishments that shaped all-conference voting.
WPIAL bans West Mifflin from 2020 football playoffs for using ineligible player
November 25, 2019
The West Mifflin football team used an ineligible player all season, so the Titans are banned from the postseason next year, the WPIAL decided Monday.
Gateway wins field-position battle with Peters Township for 7th WPIAL title
November 23, 2019
Gateway didn’t score a point in the final 20 minutes Saturday night, but ultimately they didn’t need any.
Gateway, Peters Township big-play offenses will test 5A’s stingiest defenses
Gateway’s Derrick Davis can take a screen pass to the end zone at any time, and Peters Township’s Josh Casilli is just as dangerous with the football in his hands.
Thomas Jefferson finally clears Cathedral Prep hurdle
November 22, 2019
The referee held his hands only a few inches apart.
WPIAL Class 5A football final primer: Gateway vs. Peters Township
WPIAL Class 5A championship
WPIAL survey asks: Should every football team make the playoffs?
Would you be interested in every WPIAL football team making the playoffs?
Central Catholic keeps focus on State College with possible St. Joseph’s matchup looming
November 21, 2019
Central Catholic could have a showdown with defending state champion St. Joseph’s Prep on the horizon, an East vs. West clash with the nationally ranked Philadelphia power.
Ineligible Avonworth football player drops lawsuit against WPIAL, PIAA
Attorneys for ineligible Avonworth football player Kyros Thorpe withdrew his lawsuit against the WPIAL and PIAA on Thursday, ending his legal battle to play in the WPIAL football championship.
Wyatt Henson returns to Waynesburg after winning Missouri state wrestling title
Missouri state wrestling champion Wyatt Henson has transferred back to Waynesburg, but the junior isn’t eligible for the WPIAL or PIAA postseason tournaments this winter.
Avonworth’s Kyros Thorpe seeks court injunction to play in WPIAL Class 2A football final
November 20, 2019
Turned away by both the WPIAL and PIAA, Avonworth senior Kyros Thorpe is taking his eligibility battle to court.
Basketball star Isiah Warfield remains ineligible for postseason after WPIAL denies waiver
November 18, 2019
WPIAL basketball star Isiah Warfield remains ineligible to play in the playoffs this winter.
West Mifflin possibly used ineligible football player all season, WPIAL says
The WPIAL wants to hear from West Mifflin’s football coach and school administrators to determine whether the Titans used an ineligible football player all season.
WPIAL board unanimously approves Ligonier Valley request to join District 7
The WPIAL board voted unanimously Monday to accept Ligonier Valley as a member.
Opalko’s late field goal lifts Central Catholic past Pine-Richland in WPIAL Class 6A final
November 16, 2019
This was a kick that might make NFL kickers nervous.
Aliquippa quarterback plays in WPIAL championship hours after mother’s death
On the eve of the WPIAL championships, Aliquippa football coach Mike Warfield received a desperate text message from his quarterback.
WPIAL Class 6A football finals primer: Central Catholic vs. Pine-Richland
WPIAL Class 6A championship
Gateway’s defense uses 4th-down stands to edge McKeesport in WPIAL semifinals
McKeesport’s Devari Robinson sprinted forward on fourth-and-4, colliding with Gateway linebacker Jay Johnson, who dragged him to the Offutt Field turf.
5 things to watch in Week 12 of high school football: TJ’s Cherpak draws Belichick comparisons
November 15, 2019
Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak chuckles at the comparison, but maybe it’s too not farfetched?
WPIAL Class 4A football finals primer: Thomas Jefferson vs. Belle Vernon
WPIAL Class 4A championship
WPIAL championship rematch with fearsome Central Catholic line awaits Pine-Richland
One lineman is the talented nephew of an NFL superstar. One is 6-foot-5 and committed to North Carolina. The two others are gigantic twin brothers with more than 20 scholarship offers.
Familiar foes Belle Vernon, Thomas Jefferson to meet for WPIAL Class 4A title
November 13, 2019
Belle Vernon knocked loudly on the WPIAL championship door two years in a row without an answer, each time losing in the semifinals.
PIAA postpones Tuesday’s state soccer semifinals at Hampton, Slippery Rock
November 12, 2019
Snow-covered fields forced the PIAA to postpone Tuesday’s soccer semifinals at Hampton and Slippery Rock.
Midwestern: New Brighton’s Francona, Western Beaver’s Altenbaugh lead all-conference team
November 11, 2019
New Brighton receiver Jake Francona and Western Beaver linebacker Zach Altenbaugh earned MVP honors this season in the Midwestern Athletic Conference.
Northern: Penn Hills lands 9 players, coach on 1st-team, all-conference list
Penn Hills had nine players voted first-team all-conference by coaches including eight on the defensive side of the football.
Big East: 9 from Penn-Trafford voted 1st-team all-conference, Ruane top coach
bPenn-Trafford went undefeated in the regular season and dominated the Big East once again Monday in the all-conference voting.
Allegheny 8: Peters Township leads all-conference voting with 8 on 1st team
Moon went from one conference win to a share of the Allegheny Eight title, a turnaround that earned Ryan Linn conference coach of the year honors.
Central Catholic leads 6A all-conference team; Canon-Mac’s Evans top coach
Central Catholic, North Allegheny and Pine-Richland finished tied as tri-champions in WPIAL Class 6A, but the Vikings ran away with the all-conference vote.
Mt. Lebanon’s Patrick Anderson leads PTFCA all-state cross country team
November 10, 2019
Two-time state cross country champion Patrick Anderson was named as the sport’s male athlete of the year by the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association.
Washington leads all-conference selections in Class 2A Century
Washington quarterback Zack Swartz, lineman Zakhi Marshall and coach Mike Bosnic won individual awards in the Class 2A Century.
Five things we learned in high school football Week 11
November 9, 2019
With another celebration at Heinz Field, Central Catholic or Pine-Richland can call itself the team of the decade in the WPIAL’s largest classification.
Peters Township wins rematch with Moon in WPIAL Class 5A quarterfinal
November 8, 2019
When Peters Township lost to Moon in the regular season, Josh Casilli’s stat line read: one catch, six yards.
Allegheny 8 co-champions Moon, Peters Township rematch in WPIAL quarterfinals
The WPIAL football playoffs often bring together unfamiliar teams, so their coaches spend hours studying one another on film.
After 2 winless seasons, Butler football might leave WPIAL for independent schedule
November 7, 2019
Mired in a 20-game losing streak, Butler’s football team might leave the WPIAL for an independent schedule next season.
5 things to watch in Week 11 of high school football: North Allegheny, Mt. Lebanon looking to flip script
How much can change in 14 days?
PIAA football realignment: What classification will teams call home in 2020, 2021?
PIAA football teams learned Thursday which classification they’ll call home next season.
Former WPIAL basketball star Donovan ‘Puff’ Johnson commits to North Carolina
November 5, 2019
Former WPIAL basketball star Donovan “Puff” Johnson committed Tuesday night to North Carolina, choosing a school where older brother Cameron played.
WPIAL announces football playoff sites for Week 11: Class 5A rematch at West A
November 4, 2019
Peters Township and Moon, co-champions in the Allegheny Eight, will play for the second time in six weeks when they meet Friday night in a WPIAL Class 5A quarterfinal at West Allegheny.
Pine-Richland lineman Miguel Jackson adds 3rd Division I offer
November 3, 2019
Pine-Richland’s Miguel Jackson, one of the WPIAL’s top pass rushers, added his third Division I offer this week.
2 WPIAL seniors receive 1st Division I offers from Rhode Island
Two WPIAL football players received their first Division I offers this week from the same FCS school.
5 things we learned in Week 10: McGuffey, West Greene celebrate 1st WPIAL playoff win in decades
November 2, 2019
McGuffey waited 25 years for Friday night’s celebration. West Greene waited 26. New Brighton waited 18.
QB Ethan Dahlem exits, but fast start leads Upper St. Clair past North Hills
November 1, 2019
Like a scene from scary movie, Upper St. Clair quarterback Ethan Dahlem’s head and helmet were twisted around in the wrong direction as he crossed the goal line.
Upper St. Clair out to deny North Hills its 1st playoff win since 2010
North Hills and Upper St. Clair haven’t played one another in nearly a decade, but a first-round matchup has stirred some nostalgia.
Home-field advantage weighs heavy in WPIAL playoffs
October 31, 2019
North Hills’ Rowdie Rooters, the team’s famed hilltop cheering section, hasn’t celebrated a home playoff game at Martorelli Stadium in almost a decade.
2nd WPIAL football playoff game moved to artificial turf
Friday’s forecast predicts drier weather, but Thursday’s rain was enough to force two WPIAL football playoff games to be moved off grass.
PIAA overturns WPIAL, makes Clairton’s Wayne Wade III eligible for football playoffs
Clairton senior Wayne Wade III can participate in the football playoffs, the PIAA decided Thursday, overturning a WPIAL decision on the eve of the postseason.
Weather forecast forces Cornell to move football playoff game to West Allegheny
October 30, 2019
The Cornell football team was hoping to play its first home playoff game since 1983, but a rainy forecast has changed those plans.
Choosing Washington or Avonworth for No. 1 seed among WPIAL’s toughest bracket picks
October 28, 2019
Choosing the No. 1 seeds was maybe easier than usual for the WPIAL football committee with one exception: Class 2A.
Breaking down the 2019 WPIAL football playoffs
Class 6A
5 things we learned in Week 9: Cornell earns 1st home playoff game since 1983
October 26, 2019
Many at Cornell couldn’t remember the football team ever hosting a playoff game, coach Ed Dawson said, but that’s understandable after more than three decades.
WPIAL football rankings through Week 9
WPIAL Football
Pine-Richland defeats rival North Allegheny, creates 3-way tie for conference title
October 25, 2019
Pine-Richland quarterback Cole Spencer scanned across North Allegheny’s defense, spotted a safety out of position and turned that mistake into a 79-yard touchdown pass.
North Allegheny, Pine-Richland chasing 1st-round byes along with conference title
North Allegheny coach Art Walker hasn’t studied playoff scenarios or counted tiebreaker points ahead of Friday’s regular-season finale at Pine-Richland.
5 things to watch in Week 9: Aliquippa, Central Valley battle for conference title
October 24, 2019
Only one team has defeated Aliquippa in the past two seasons combined: Central Valley in Week 9 last year.
Karen Arnold named athletic director for Pittsburgh City League
Karen Arnold was named athletic director for Pittsburgh Public Schools on Thursday, making her the first woman to hold that position.
WPIAL finds evidence ‘credible,’ but won’t punish Connellsville, Allderdice for slurs
October 22, 2019
The WPIAL found the evidence “credible,” but Connellsville and Allderdice won’t be punished for the racial and anti-gay slurs allegedly exchanged in a boys high school soccer match last month.
Clairton’s Wayne Wade III among 2 denied postseason eligibility by WPIAL
The WPIAL denied an appeal from Clairton transfer Wayne Wade III on Monday, leaving the senior ineligible for the upcoming football playoffs.
WPIAL investigates slurs in 2-hour hearing with Allderdice, Connellsville; decision Tuesday
October 21, 2019
The WPIAL board of directors, investigating allegations of racial and anti-gay slurs, heard more than two hours of testimony Monday night from boys soccer players, coaches and administrators representing Allderdice and Connellsville.
No vote yet, but WPIAL open to admitting Ligonier Valley
The WPIAL administration supports Ligonier Valley switching districts, if the school is released from PIAA District 6.
Quaker Valley’s Corinne Washington adds Robert Morris offer
October 20, 2019
Quaker Valley basketball standout Corinne Washington received a Robert Morris offer Saturday, making her the second WPIAL junior this month to add a Colonials scholarship.
Peters Township’s Donovan McMillon announces first Division I football offer
Peters Township’s Donovan McMillon made one of his team’s biggest plays Friday night and then added his first Division I offer a day later.
Five things we learned in Week 8: Special moment for Neshannock’s Jeremy Nativio
October 19, 2019
Around the WPIAL, Neshannock senior Jeremy Nativio’s 34-yard touchdown run became a feel-good internet sensation.
WPIAL football rankings through Week 8
WPIAL Football
Special teams shine as Peters Township defeats Bethel Park in 1st-place clash
Peters Township’s longest touchdown drive covered just 37 yards Friday night, rather short for one of the WPIAL’s top offenses.
Bethel Park, Peters Township to break 1st-place tie in unpredictable Allegheny 8
October 18, 2019
Nobody’s perfect in the Allegheny Eight, but that’s because the conference is the deepest in the WPIAL this season.
McGuffey installing two-toned gray turf at football stadium
October 17, 2019
McGuffey’s football field is going gray.
5 things to watch in Week 8 of the high school football season
For many teams, there’s still hope.
Upper St. Clair swimming star Josh Matheny commits to Indiana
October 16, 2019
The Indiana Hoosiers are probably known best for an iconic basketball program once coached by Bob Knight, but the school also has a swim team that celebrates championships.
2 top WPIAL juniors announce Michigan State football offers
Michigan State has recruited its share of WPIAL football players, a list that recently included Montae Nicholson of Gateway and Demetrious Cox of Jeannette.
Former Pine-Richland linebacker Tyler King commits to Stony Brook
October 14, 2019
Former Pine-Richland standout Tyler King, the leading tackler for two WPIAL titles and a state championship, announced Sunday his commitment to Stony Brook.
Sto-Rox’s Eric Wilson becomes 9th WPIAL passer with 7,000 career yards
October 13, 2019
Sto-Rox’s Eric Wilson topped 7,000 career passing yards on Friday night, becoming only the ninth quarterback in WPIAL history to reach the milestone.
Former Pine-Richland, West A standout Kenny White adds Robert Morris offer
Former Pine-Richland and West Allegheny standout Kenny White, now a junior college sophomore, added his third Division I offer this week from Robert Morris.
Woodland Hills junior Peyton Pinkney adds Robert Morris offer
Woodland Hills junior Peyton Pinkney has two hometown basketball offers now that Robert Morris has joined her scholarship list.
5 takeaways from Week 7: Keystone Oaks QB tops 500 total yards in extraordinary effort
Keystone Oaks coach Greg Perry wasn’t too surprised, but quarterback Logan Shrubb didn’t seem tired when he arrived Saturday morning to lift weights.
WPIAL sets new hearing date for Connellsville, Allderdice to address slur accusations
The WPIAL hearing for Connellsville and Allderdice to address accusations of racial and anti-gay slurs was rescheduled for Oct. 21.
No ‘doormat’: Moon tied for 1st after defeating Upper St. Clair
October 11, 2019
Doormats? Hardly.
Moon faces another top wideout in Allegheny 8 clash with Upper St. Clair
October 10, 2019
For the second week in a row, Moon faces a big-play offense with one of the WPIAL’s top wide receivers.
5 things to watch in Week 7 of the high school football season
One conference loss is manageable, but two might doom someone’s season in WPIAL Class A.
Scheduling conflict forces WPIAL to move football championship from Robert Morris
October 8, 2019
A scheduling conflict at Robert Morris has forced the WPIAL to move its Class 2A football championship to Norwin.
5 takeaways from Week 6: Southmoreland snaps cold spell
October 5, 2019
Southmoreland coach Dave Keefer saw no reason to hide the team’s 40-year playoff drought from his players.
WPIAL football rankings through Week 6
WPIAL Football
Thomas Jefferson slows Central Valley’s big-play offense in nonconference clash
October 4, 2019
Central Valley has the type of athlete-heavy spread offense that’s caused Thomas Jefferson trouble in recent years.
PIAA tightens competitive balance formula for football, basketball transfers
Adding one transfer could force a basketball team into a higher PIAA classification.
PIAA might ease co-op rules for small schools struggling to fill rosters
October 3, 2019
With many small districts struggling to fill rosters, the PIAA might make it easier for two schools to form a combined sports team.
5 things to watch in Week 6 of the high school football season
Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak likes this week’s matchup but not necessarily the timing.
Central Valley, Thomas Jefferson rekindle rivalry from their Class AAA days
It wasn’t long ago that Thomas Jefferson and Central Valley were linked in a budding rivalry.
Gateway junior Derrick Davis adds another Top 25 football offer
Derrick Davis’ long list of scholarship offers is starting to resemble the Top 25 polls.
PIAA cross county champion Patrick Anderson commits to North Carolina
Mt. Lebanon senior Patrick Anderson, the defending state cross country champion, committed to North Carolina.
Baseball coach Steve Bucci leaves South Park for alma mater Baldwin
October 2, 2019
Baseball coach Steve Bucci, who owns both WPIAL and state titles, is leaving South Park for Baldwin, his alma mater.
Avonworth’s Kyros Thorpe among 3 denied postseason eligibility by PIAA
Avonworth football standout Kyros Thorpe was among three transfers left ineligible for the postseason after the PIAA upheld earlier WPIAL decisions Wednesday.
Chartiers Valley sophomore Perri Page adds Duquesne offer
September 30, 2019
Chartiers Valley sophomore Perri Page added a Duquesne basketball offer Monday, making her the third returning player from last year’s state championship lineup with Division I options.
PCN will re-air Darrelle Revis’ 5-touchdown performance in PIAA championship
Sixteen years later, high school football fans still marvel over Darrelle Revis’ performance in the 2003 state championship.
Central Catholic quarterback Dom Pieto commits to play Division I baseball
September 29, 2019
A day after quarterbacking Central Catholic’s football team to a win over then-No. 1 Pine-Richland, Dom Pieto announced his college commitment.
Gateway basketball standout Lexi Jackson commits to Kent State
All-section center Lexi Jackson, who averaged a double-double for Gateway’s girls basketball team, committed Saturday to Kent State.
5 takeaways from Week 5: WPIAL working overtime
September 28, 2019
Not many WPIAL football teams have worked overtime this season, but regulation wasn’t enough for three games Friday night.
WPIAL football rankings through Week 5
WPIAL Football
Dramatic win holds special meaning for Ringgold football, Rosensteel family
Ringgold’s student section rushed onto the field as time expired Friday night, overcome with excitement when a last-second field goal by Clayton Rosensteel gave the football team its first win in two years.
No. 3 Central Catholic leans on talented line, Eddy Tillman to defeat No. 1 Pine-Richland
September 27, 2019
A’meer Allen noticed a troubling trend in recent years.
Will Pine-Richland vs. Central Catholic predict WPIAL champion once again?
September 26, 2019
Central Catholic and Pine-Richland have a shared history that few recent rivalries can match.
5 things to watch in Week 5 of high school football
Central Valley traveled 13 miles to play its first conference road game this season and only nine miles for its second, matchups with Beaver County rivals Blackhawk and Beaver Falls.
WPIAL postpones hearing for Allderdice, Connellsville boys soccer teams
September 23, 2019
A WPIAL hearing scheduled Wednesday for the Allderdice and Connellsville boys soccer teams has been postponed.
Shady Side Academy will forfeit football game against Apollo-Ridge
Citing a lack of healthy players, Shady Side Academy notified Apollo-Ridge on Monday that it will forfeit this week’s football game.
Burgettstown lineman Riley Kemper commits to Robert Morris
September 22, 2019
Burgettstown lineman Riley Kemper, a reigning WPIAL wrestling champion, committed Sunday to play football at Robert Morris.
5 takeaways from Week 4: Northern Conference continues to roil
September 21, 2019
Is there a WPIAL conference more volatile than the Northern?
WPIAL football rankings through Week 4
WPIAL Football
North Allegheny’s Percise Colon draws big comparisons after victory over Mt. Lebanon
September 20, 2019
Art Walker has a small-but-sensational running back who’s undersized and maybe underestimated, but one that could lead the team to a championship.
WPIAL sets hearing date for Connellsville, Allderdice to address racial, anti-gay slurs
Representatives from Connellsville and Allderdice will meet next week to address allegations that the schools’ boys soccer teams used racial and anti-gay slurs.
Mt. Lebanon isn’t ‘well-oiled machine,’ but will battle North Allegheny for 1st place
September 19, 2019
Bob Palko wants to build Mt. Lebanon into the “well-oiled machine” that his West Allegheny program was, but first, all of the parts have to be assembled correctly.
5 things to watch in Week 4 of high school football
Clairton will try to do something that Mohawk, Rochester, Bishop Canevin and California couldn’t.
Injuries force Bishop Canevin to forfeit football game against OLSH
Citing a lack of healthy players, Bishop Canevin announced that it will forfeit this week’s football game against Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.
WPIAL wants 2 football coaches suspended for violating heat acclimatization rules
September 17, 2019
The WPIAL wants two football coaches suspended for a scrimmage next season for violating preseason heat acclimatization rules.
Seton LaSalle football player among 2 ruled eligible after WPIAL hearings
The WPIAL ruled Seton LaSalle transfer Tyler Buzalka eligible for football season following a hearing Monday in Green Tree.
WPIAL calls in Connellsville, Allderdice after more racial slur allegations
September 16, 2019
The WPIAL is calling in Connellsville administrators for the second time in two years to face allegations that the school’s boys soccer team targeted an opponent with racial slurs.
North Allegheny freshman Jasmine Timmerson adds Robert Morris offer
September 15, 2019
A couple of weeks after adding a Michigan State basketball offer, North Allegheny freshman Jasmine Timmerson received one from a school much closer to home.
Rochester sophomore Corynne Hauser adds 3rd Division I basketball offer
Rochester sophomore Corynne Hauser, who helped the Rams win a WPIAL girls basketball title last winter, received her third Division I offer this week.
Brian Eyerman, Alex Papson among North Allegheny hall of fame class
Football standouts Brian Eyerman and Alex Papson are among 11 former North Allegheny athletes who’ll be inducted next month into the school’s sports hall of fame.
5 takeaways from Week 3: Quarterback’s 485 yards among all-time WPIAL best
September 14, 2019
Gaudy statistics by WPIAL quarterbacks aren’t unusual anymore, but occasionally there’s a number that stands out among the rest.
WPIAL football rankings through Week 3
WPIAL Football
Drastic changes in enrollment factor into high school football participation decline
When McKeesport coach Matt Miller was a senior in 1991, the Tigers had around 85 names on the football roster. This year, his team has 47.
No. 4 Penn Hills forces 6 turnovers in 14-7 victory over Mars
September 13, 2019
The halftime adjustment for Penn Hills’ defensive line seemed almost counter-intuitive: Try not to rush into the backfield too quickly.
5 things to watch in Week 3 of high school football: Sept. 13-14
September 12, 2019
If Avonworth quarterback Park Penrod throws a touchdown or scrambles for a first down, his name won’t echo through the stadium Friday night.
Spotting ‘fakes’ crucial as Penn Hills prepares for Mars’ misdirection
Mars coach Scott Heinauer took time during film study to praise a run by Nick Spotti that gained exactly zero yards.
Central Catholic lineman Thomas Hartnett commits to Dartmouth
September 11, 2019
The Ivy League added another WPIAL lineman Wednesday when Central Catholic’s Thomas Hartnett committed to Dartmouth.
Jeannette, Avella consider rescheduling football game but agree to play Friday night
September 10, 2019
Jeannette and Avella school administrators discussed moving this week’s football game to a different date or time, but ultimately agreed to play the game as scheduled.
5 takeaways from Week 2 of high school football action
September 7, 2019
Less than a week after being shot in the leg and feet, West Mifflin quarterback Jaylen Dukes walked back onto a football field with crutches Friday night.
WPIAL football rankings through Week 2
WPIAL football rankings
South Fayette’s Naman Alemada throws 5 touchdowns in win over New Castle
September 6, 2019
South Fayette’s Naman Alemada tossed five touchdown passes in Friday night’s 37-21 victory, but those throws weren’t the only ones that left New Castle coach Joe Cowart impressed.
Washington lineman Chase Mitchell commits to FBS newcomer Liberty
The WPIAL added another Division I lineman to the 2020 recruiting class Thursday when Washington’s Chase Mitchell committed to Liberty.
New Castle wants to stop South Fayette’s 3-year undefeated run in Northwest 8
September 5, 2019
The name changed from the Northwest Nine to the Northwest Eight, but whatever the Class 4A conference was called, South Fayette has owned it.
Avonworth’s Kyros Thorpe among 3 denied postseason eligibility by WPIAL
Avonworth transfer Kyros Thorpe can complete the regular season but the football standout remains ineligible for the playoffs.
WPIAL rules North Catholic soccer transfer Jayden Sharpless eligible
A WPIAL hearing panel overturned an earlier decision and ruled North Catholic soccer star Jayden Sharpless eligible Thursday by a narrow vote.
5 things to watch in Week 2 of high school football
In more than a century of WPIAL football, only three schools have reached 700 all-time victories: New Castle, Jeannette and Aliquippa.
Avonworth football standout Kyros Thorpe seeks postseason eligibility
September 2, 2019
Avonworth’s Kyros Thorpe has made an immediate impact since transferring from Central Catholic, but it’s unknown whether he’ll be eligible for the football playoffs.
WPIAL schedules eligibility hearing for soccer star Jayden Sharpless
North Catholic transfer Jayden Sharpless, the top WPIAL girls soccer player last season, will learn this week whether she can play this fall.
Central Catholic junior Elliot Donald reveals 8 favorite scholarship offers
September 1, 2019
Central Catholic junior Elliot Donald posted a favorites list this week that included all three area colleges and some of the top programs nationally.
North Allegheny freshman adds Michigan State basketball offer
Jasmine Timmerson won’t make her high school basketball debut for a few more months, but the North Allegheny freshman already has a Big 10 scholarship offer.
Gateway junior Derrick Davis adds another SEC football offer
Gateway’s Derrick Davis might soon be able to choose any college in the country.
5 takeaways from Week 1 of high school football action
August 31, 2019
Carlynton accomplished something Friday the program hadn’t done in 14 years.
WPIAL football rankings through Week 1
Class 6A
Central Catholic scores last-minute touchdown, stops Seneca Valley in wild finish
August 30, 2019
Central Catholic scored with 28 seconds left and then its defense made a touchdown-saving tackle as time expired Friday night, a wild finish to a 10-7 victory at Seneca Valley.
Randy Rovesti retires as Gateway athletic director
Randy Rovesti thought he’d be Gateway’s interim athletic director for maybe two or three months, just long enough for the district to find someone else.
5 things to watch in Week 1 high school football
August 29, 2019
Aliquippa’s Mike Warfield would like to see old Aschman Stadium renovated, but the second-year coach started with the field house that holds the team’s lockers and weight room.
Division I linemen clash as No. 2 Central Catholic visits No. 4 Seneca Valley
Ron Butschle apologized for using what might sound to some like an old coaching cliché.
5 takeaways from Week Zero of high school football action
Two hundred yards is a good night for any WPIAL passer, but nowadays that’s not enough for some quarterbacks.
Pine-Richland uses fast start to defeat Penn Hills in clash of champions
August 23, 2019
Pine-Richland didn’t ease into this new football season.
McGuffey-Ambridge Week Zero football game postponed in 11th hour
Friday night’s football game between Ambridge and McGuffey was postponed because no game officials were hired to work the game, said McGuffey athletic director Ed Dalton.
WPIAL soccer star Jayden Sharpless ruled ineligible after transferring
Jayden Sharpless, one of the WPIAL’s top girls soccer players, was ruled ineligible to play this fall.
WPIAL rules 2 transfers eligible for football, delays decision on another
August 22, 2019
The WPIAL ruled Woodland Hills transfer E’Shawn Carter eligible Thursday, clearing the junior to play football and basketball this school year for the Wolverines.
5 things to watch in high school football for Week Zero
Scrimmage or schedule a game?
WPIAL football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the new coaches
The South Hills has some new faces this fall.
Aliquippa returns ‘good nucleus’ from WPIAL, PIAA championship lineup
If they all can accept their invitations, Aliquippa football greats Ty Law, Darrelle Revis, Sean Gilbert and Mike Ditka will return home for a Week 1 ceremony.
Woodland Hills transfer Eshawn Carter among 3 WPIAL hearings scheduled for Thursday
Woodland Hills transfer Eshawn Carter and two incoming freshmen at Aliquippa will have their football eligibility decided Thursday during hearing at the WPIAL office in Green Tree.
WPIAL football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the kickers
August 21, 2019
Sharing your field with a good soccer team can sometimes be a boost for football programs across the WPIAL.
Even without LeDonne in attendance, Penn Hills, Pine-Richland excited for clash of champions
Jon LeDonne won’t take a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains or listen to some Smokey Robinson on his free Friday night.
WPIAL position by position breakdown: Scouting the safeties
August 20, 2019
Versatile safeties are crucial in today’s WPIAL.
Moon basketball star Donovan Johnson joining brother Cameron in Arizona
August 19, 2019
Moon basketball star Donovan “Puff” Johnson is joining older brother Cameron in Arizona.
WPIAL position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the cornerbacks
There’s no major college recruit on this list like last year when Aliquippa’s M.J. Devonshire, North Allegheny’s Joey Porter Jr. and Penn Hills’ Daequan Hardy topped the cornerback rankings.
Coach Rod Steele makes West Mifflin roster battle for jobs in 1st season
A few days of heat acclimation and a week of camp wasn’t enough time for Rod Steele to pick starters.
WPIAL position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the linebackers
August 18, 2019
The top linebackers in the WPIAL and City League always include some of the area’s best all-around athletes.
WPIAL position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the defensive linemen
August 17, 2019
Some years it’s at cornerback. Sometimes it’s the linebackers.
WPIAL position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the offensive linemen
August 16, 2019
The offensive line is always strong spot for the WPIAL, and it is among the deepest positions again this season.
Bethel Park might be going to no-huddle offense, but toughness remains
There won’t be a fullback in the backfield, the tight end is optional and running backs might play wide receiver, but Bethel Park’s offense isn’t completely new.
Upper St. Clair, Junko start with ‘blank slate’
Upper St. Clair returns only three players who started last season, a seemingly tough spot for a first-year coach.
WPIAL position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the tight ends
August 15, 2019
The traditional hand-on-the-ground tight end has disappeared from some offenses around Western Pennsylvania.
Central Catholic turns the page after frustrating ’18 season
Last season was a difficult one for Central Catholic, hampered at times by turnovers and other self-inflicted mistakes.
Large, veteran offensive line to pave way for Mt. Lebanon
If there’s a difference between Class 5A and 6A football, maybe it’s the size of the linemen.
WPIAL football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the wide receivers
August 14, 2019
Western Pennsylvania was known historically for producing hall of fame quarterbacks, a trend that shifted in recent decades to superstar defensive backs.
WPIAL Class 6A football breakdown: Coaches expect competitive year, wide-open field
There was a worry the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs might be boring because every game is a rematch from the regular season.
Mars’ Khori Fusco headed to prep powerhouse for post-graduate season
Mars basketball standout Khori Fusco, who was a senior last season, announced Tuesday he’s headed to a powerhouse prep school near Shippensburg.
WPIAL football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the running backs
August 13, 2019
High school football has become a pass-oriented game, but that doesn’t mean teams across Western Pennsylvania have abandoned running the football.
Bob Palko brings ‘tough love’ to Mt. Lebanon as football teams open camp
August 12, 2019
Bob Palko compared the first day of football camp to planning a beach vacation, even though the only deep blue in sight Monday was Mt. Lebanon’s helmets and his new Blue Devils shorts.
Mars’ Carmody picked for All-American Bowl, 4th WPIAL player in 4 years
For the fourth year in a row, the WPIAL had a high school football player chosen for the All-American Bowl.
WPIAL football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the quarterbacks
WPIAL passing records have fallen one after another over the past five years, a sign high school football in Western Pennsylvania has changed.
WPIAL rules Isiah Warfield eligible for senior season, ineligible for playoffs
August 7, 2019
The WPIAL approved Isiah Warfield to play basketball in the regular season, but the Central Valley transfer remains ineligible for the playoffs.
Former West Mifflin coach Lance Maha returns to WPIAL basketball
August 6, 2019
Lance Maha, who coached boys basketball at West Mifflin for two decades, is returning to the WPIAL after one season away.
Aliquippa’s Zuriah Fisher postpones commitment hours before decision day
August 4, 2019
On the eve of commitment day, Aliquippa linebacker Zuriah Fisher decided to postpone his decision.
WPIAL football recruits share their written scholarship offers as August arrives
August 1, 2019
The first day of August is the date each year that college football coaches can send written scholarship offers to high school seniors.
Like his older brother, Seton LaSalle’s Dom Popa commits to Pitt baseball
July 31, 2019
Seton LaSalle’s Dom Popa, whose brother stars for Pitt, committed Monday to also play baseball for the Panthers.
Gateway transfer Diego Bledsoe remains ineligible over father’s critical comments
July 30, 2019
The PIAA listened to critical public comments made by Diego Bledsoe’s father and then upheld a WPIAL decision that leaves the Gateway transfer ineligible to play football.
PIAA overturns suspension levied against Central Catholic coach Brian Urso
The PIAA overturned a WPIAL decision and lifted the suspension given to Central Catholic boys basketball coach Brian Urso.
PIAA overturns WPIAL, makes West Mifflin football standout Nahki Johnson eligible
The recruiting allegations made against Nahki Johnson and coach Rod Steele were “unsubstantiated,” the PIAA decided Tuesday, so it ruled the West Mifflin football standout immediately eligible.
Clairton, McGuffey schedule Week 1 football game
July 29, 2019
Left idle by forfeits, McGuffey and Clairton will have Week 1 football games after all.
Aliquippa linebacker Zuriah Fisher sets commitment date
July 28, 2019
Aliquippa’s Zuriah Fisher hasn’t picked his college but the star linebacker did set a commitment date.
Alabama, rarely seen around WPIAL, offers Gateway junior Derrick Davis
Joe Namath starred there in the 1960s and Robert Foster picked Alabama earlier this decade, but Crimson Tide football offers don’t appear all that often in the WPIAL.
North Catholic’s Kylee Lewandowski commits to Richmond
July 27, 2019
North Catholic’s Kylee Lewandowski, one of the WPIAL’s top rising seniors, committed Saturday to Richmond.
WPIAL will re-evaluate how it schedules football after Northgate forfeits
July 26, 2019
The WPIAL will change the way it schedules nonconference football games after a team strategically forfeited for the second time in two years.
Gateway’s Derrick Davis adds Louisville offer as Gators take team trip
July 25, 2019
The Gateway football team took a road trip this week to Louisville and linebacker Derrick Davis picked up a souvenir to bring home.
Peters Township wide receiver Josh Casilli commits to Penn
Peters Township’s Josh Casilli committed Thursday to Penn, choosing an Ivy League path that was wildly successful for another WPIAL wide receiver just a few years ago.
WPIAL’s best football players take break for TribLive HSSN event
July 23, 2019
High school football teams have worked out together for months in weight rooms and practice fields, but suddenly those offseason sessions have a more serious tone.
Quaker Valley’s Corinne Washington adds 2 more Division I offers
Quaker Valley has another Washington with Division I basketball talent.
Armstrong coach Frank Fabian ready for season after short-lived resignation
In two weeks, when WPIAL football teams start heat acclimation, Armstrong coach Frank Fabian will be there for his fifth season with the River Hawks.
QB Eric Wilson wants to help revive Sto-Rox tradition he grew up on
July 21, 2019
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 23 during a HSSN Media Day live broadcast at Kennywood Park.
North Catholic’s Kylee Lewandowski adds 2 more Division I offers
July 20, 2019
North Catholic’s Kylee Lewandowski, now in the heart of AAU basketball season, added two more college offers.
PIAA sets pitch-count limit for junior high baseball
July 19, 2019
The PIAA believes junior high baseball players shouldn’t throw as many pitches as high school hurlers, so a separate pitch count was established this week.
As incoming freshmen, WPIAL basketball’s 2023 class already looks special
Early indications say the WPIAL Class of 2023 will be special.
PIAA denies request to add games to baseball regular season
The high school baseball regular season will continue to have a 20-game limit after the PIAA denied a request to add more contests.
Trib HSSN rewind: A look back at the 2018-19 boys outdoor track season
July 18, 2019
Waynesburg’s Daniel Layton became the most talked about track star in the WPIAL this spring, a situation neither he nor his father could have imagined.
Trinity’s Riley DeRubbo commits to Atlantic 10 champion Fordham
July 17, 2019
A year after tearing an ACL, Trinity basketball standout Riley DeRubbo celebrated another milestone Wednesday when she committed to Atlantic 10 champion Fordham.
PIAA doesn’t support ‘diagonal’ pilot program for WPIAL soccer officials
WPIAL soccer referees must keep using the “double dual” officiating system, at least for now.
PIAA eligibility hearing for Moon’s Donovan Johnson postponed
The PIAA hearing scheduled Wednesday for Moon basketball standout Donovan Johnson was postponed.
Trib HSSN rewind: A look back at the 2018-19 girls outdoor track season
July 16, 2019
Maybe the biggest story of track season came months earlier when the WPIAL decided to move the individual championship meet to Slippery Rock.
Thomas Jefferson QB Shane Stump adds 3rd Division I offer
Thomas Jefferson’s Shane Stump, one of the WPIAL’s top quarterbacks, announced his third college offer from Dayton.
North Allegheny’s Lizzy Groetsch adds 4 more basketball offers
Four more names joined the list of Division I basketball teams recruiting North Allegheny’s Lizzy Groetsch.
PIAA schedules eligibility hearing for West Mifflin’s Nahki Johnson
West Mifflin’s Nahki Johnson will learn this month whether he can play football in the fall.
WPIAL declares two-sport Belle Vernon transfer Devin Whitlock eligible
July 15, 2019
Belle Vernon sophomore Devin Whitlock, a two-sport standout who transferred from Monessen, is eligible to play football and basketball this upcoming school year.
WPIAL leading scorer Keandre Bowles commits to junior college in Kansas
July 14, 2019
The WPIAL’s leading scorer is headed to the Great Plains.
Bishop Canevin’s Diajha Allen commits to St. Francis (Pa.)
Bishop Canevin’s Diajha Allen, a rising senior, announced her commitment to St. Francis (Pa.) basketball Sunday.
Bethel Park’s Olivia Westphal adds 4 more basketball offers
Bethel Park’s Olivia Westphal added several more names to her scholarship list Sunday.
Chartiers Valley’s Aislin Malcolm adds WVU basketball offer
Chartiers Valley basketball standout Aislin Malcolm, one of the WPIAL’s top rising sophomores, received an offer Sunday from West Virginia.
North Allegheny senior lineman Lugg forges his own path
North Allegheny’s Jake Lugg plays left tackle for the Tigers like older brother, Josh, did a few years earlier.
WPIAL soccer referees will switch to diagonal system, if PIAA approves
The WPIAL could change the way soccer games are officiated next season, if the PIAA approves.
PIAA baseball committee wants games added to regular season
July 13, 2019
Pennsylvania high school baseball teams could play a few more regular-season games next season, if the PIAA baseball steering committee gets its wish.
Trib HSSN rewind: A look back at the 2018-19 boys basketball season
July 12, 2019
With Moon and Mars leading the way, it’s safe to say the 2018-19 WPIAL boys basketball season was out of this world.
PIAA schedules appeal hearing for Moon’s Donovan Johnson
Basketball star Donovan Johnson will learn next week whether he can play his senior season at Moon.
After 2 years without, light towers return to Northgate’s stadium
Northgate football coach Michael Fulmore was headed home after a summer workout when something high in the Bellevue sky grabbed his attention.
While awaiting PIAA eligibility hearing, West Mifflin’s Nahki Johnson giving 100 percent effort
July 11, 2019
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 23 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
North Allegheny’s Luke Colella gives Ivy League another WPIAL football recruit
July 10, 2019
Once a Tiger, always a Tiger?
Central Catholic baseball’s Will Ray commits to Wake Forest
July 9, 2019
Central Catholic’s Will Ray is the lastest WPIAL baseball recruit heading south.
NFHS expands exchange zones for some track relays
July 8, 2019
Some sprinters will have an extra 10 meters to make their relay exchange, the National Federation of State High School Associations decided.
Woodland Hills AD among candidates to coach boys basketball team
July 7, 2019
Woodland Hills’ next boys basketball coach might already work in the school’s athletic department.
Week Zero football showcase at Wolvarena expands to 2nd venue
The Western Pennsylvania vs. Everyone Football Showcase is officially too big for one stadium.
2 WPIAL football recruits announce 1st Division I offers from St. Francis
Two rising seniors in the WPIAL each received their first Division I football offers this week from St. Francis.
Like famous uncle, Central Catholic’s Elliot Donald seems poised for ‘great things’
July 6, 2019
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 23 during Trib HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
Pine-Richland pitcher Tommy Beam commits to West Virginia
July 5, 2019
Pine-Richland pitcher Tommy Beam, who helped the Rams win a WPIAL title this spring, committed Friday to West Virginia.
Trib HSSN rewind: A look back at the 2018 football season
July 1, 2019
Fifteen years had passed since Darrelle Revis last played WPIAL football, but his name came up often last December in Hershey.
Former North Allegheny track star Ayden Owens transferring to Michigan
Ayden Owens enjoyed his freshman year on the West Coast, the warm weather and the Los Angeles lifestyle.
Incoming North Allegheny freshman announces Division 1 basketball offer
June 30, 2019
North Allegheny’s Jasmine Timmerson hasn’t started high school but already has a Division 1 basketball offer.
Trinity basketball’s Riley DeRubbo adds St. Francis offer
Trinity’s Riley DeRubbo, who missed most of her junior basketball season after knee surgery, has added another Division 1 offer.
Pennsylvania has nation’s No. 1-ranked small school football team
Defending PIAA champion Southern Columbia was ranked Sunday as the No. 1 small school football team in the country by the website High School Football America.
2 WPIAL schools honored nationally in preseason football rankings
WPIAL football teams Penn Hills and Pine-Richland were recognized by High School Football American in its national preseason rankings.
Aliquippa’s Devonshire named Trib HSSN Boys Athlete of the Year
MJ Devonshire might be too humble to rank himself among the high school greats from Aliquippa, but his accomplishments speak for themselves.
Looking back at the top 15 high school sports stories of the 2018-19 school year
June 29, 2019
8.6.18
Mars basketball’s Bella Pelaia commits to Mount St. Mary’s
June 28, 2019
For the third time in three years, the Mars girls basketball team has a Division 1 recruit.
Ex-Blackhawk baseball star Brendan McKay making major league debut
As the Trib’s player of the year in 2014, Blackhawk’s Brendan McKay was asked to predict where he saw himself in five years.
Central Catholic’s A.J. Beatty grows along with expectations
June 27, 2019
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 23 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
North Allegheny grad Ayden Owens leaving Southern Cal after stellar freshman year
North Allegheny grad Ayden Owens, who earned Pac-12 Freshman of the Year track honors this spring, announced Wednesday that he’s transferring from Southern Cal.
North Allegheny lineman Jake Lugg chooses Ivy League football
June 26, 2019
The Ivy League added a top WPIAL lineman for the second time in two days when North Allegheny’s Jake Lugg committed Wednesday to Harvard.
Thomas Jefferson lineman Mac Duda commits to Ivy League champion
Thomas Jefferson lineman Mac Duda, who counted all eight Ivy League schools among his offers, committed Tuesday to Princeton.
Peters Township’s Joe Maize resigns as baseball coach after 35 years
June 25, 2019
A sign in Joe Maize’s game room reminds visitors that “Baseball Lives Here,” an item he picked up while visiting Cooperstown, N.Y.
2 WPIAL basketball recruits named in updated ESPN rankings for 2020
June 24, 2019
Two WPIAL basketball recruits received spots close together in updated ESPN 100 rankings for the 2020 class.
Head of the Class: Baseball Player and Coach of the Year for each classification
The WPIAL baseball playoffs were as unpredictable as ever this season with only one top-seeded team winning a title.
Woodland Hills tight end Josh Rawlings commits to Virginia over ACC rivals
June 23, 2019
Virginia was the first Power 5 program to offer Woodland Hills’ Josh Rawlings a football scholarship in December.
Serra Catholic’s Mark Black named Trib HSSN Baseball Player of the Year
The Youghiogheny runs beyond the outfield fence at Boston Field in McKeesport, the home for Serra Catholic baseball.
WPIAL’s youth movement shows in 2019 Trib HSSN baseball all-stars
WPIAL baseball has witnessed an influx of talented freshmen in recent years and their arrival is reflected in the Trib 10.
West Mifflin standout Nahki Johnson among 2 ruled ineligible by WPIAL
June 20, 2019
West Mifflin’s Nahki Johnson and Gateway’s Diego Bledsoe played football together last season at Steel Valley before each transferred elsewhere.
WPIAL awards playoff eligibility to Kiski, Gateway football transfers
The WPIAL ruled Kiski Area’s Kenneth Blake and Gateway’s Shane Thrift fully eligible to play football this fall following separate hearings Thursday at the league office in Green Tree.
WPIAL declares Belle Vernon multi-sport standout Devin Whitlock ineligible
June 18, 2019
Multi-sport standout Devin Whitlock, who transferred from Monessen to Belle Vernon after his freshman year, was ruled ineligible by the WPIAL.
North Catholic’s Tess Myers follows family tradition, commits to Duquesne
June 17, 2019
Four decades after her father committed to Duquesne, North Catholic’s Tess Myers committed Monday to play basketball for the Dukes.
Moon’s Donovan Johnson remains ineligible after WPIAL denies waiver request
The WPIAL denied Donovan Johnson’s waiver request Monday, leaving the Moon basketball star ineligible for his senior season.
Mars’ Michael Carmody, WPIAL’s top-ranked football recruit, commits to Notre Dame
June 16, 2019
Almost two years to the day that Robby Carmody committed to Notre Dame basketball, his younger brother Michael committed Sunday to play football for the Fighting Irish.
How public-private legislation would alter Pa. high school sports landscape
June 15, 2019
In the hot-button debate over public and private school athletics, the PIAA has consistently said state legislation from 1972 prevents the organization from splitting the schools into separate playoffs.
Seneca Valley lineman Josh Kaltenberger commits to Purdue
Seneca Valley’s Josh Kaltenberger received his first Power 5 offer Tuesday from Purdue.
West Mifflin’s Nahki Johnson among 5 scheduled for WPIAL hearings Thursday
Football standout Nahki Johnson, who transferred from Steel Valley to West Mifflin in December, will have his eligibility decided Thursday in a hearing at the WPIAL office.
Devon Prep avoids Serra star Mark Black in 7th, dashes Eagles’ PIAA title hopes
June 14, 2019
UNIVERSITY PARK — Devon Prep challenged Serra Catholic star Mark Black three times Friday, but with two outs in the seventh and first base open, there was no reason to take that chance again.
‘Nightmarish’ inning costs Beaver in PIAA championship loss to Selinsgrove
UNIVERSITY PARK — This season was mostly a dream come true until the fifth inning Friday, which felt quite the opposite.
West Perry’s walk-off win dashes Elizabeth Forward’s state title hopes
June 13, 2019
UNIVERSITY PARK — In his 41 years as a softball coach, Elizabeth Forward’s Harry Rutherford had never seen a play quite like this.
Scott Dibble resigns as Canevin basketball coach, heads to NBA Finals, U.S. Open
Scott Dibble resigned as Bishop Canevin’s girls basketball coach but that didn’t leave his calendar wide open.
Frazier softball’s state championship game moved to Friday as PIAA revamps schedule
UNIVERSITY PARK — The PIAA rearranged its softball and baseball championships schedule Thursday and postponed two games to Friday after rain soaked Penn State’s campus.
WPIAL basketball star Isiah Warfield transferring from Sewickley Academy
June 12, 2019
WPIAL basketball standout Isiah Warfield, a 25-point scorer last season at Sewickley Academy, has transferred home to Central Valley for his senior year.
Legislation to split public, private school sports ‘poorly crafted,’ PIAA exec says
June 11, 2019
Legislation introduced Tuesday to split public and private high school athletics was “poorly crafted” and an “end-around of the (State Athletic) Oversight Committee,” said PIAA executive director Bob Lombardi.
High school sports proposal would separate public, private playoffs, ax PIAA transfer restrictions
Public and private high schools will compete for separate state championships, and strict transfer rules will vanish under the “Parity in Interscholastic Athletics Act” introduced Tuesday by a Western Pennsylvania state representative.
Western Pa. representative readies legislation to separate private, public school playoffs
June 10, 2019
The executive director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference sat down with outspoken public school advocates in February for a frank conversation about the current PIAA playoff system.
PIAA postpones all baseball, softball semifinals involving WPIAL teams
The PIAA postponed many of Monday’s baseball and softball semifinals because of weather to Tuesday, including all involving WPIAL teams.
Central Catholic defensive end A.J. Beatty commits to North Carolina
June 9, 2019
Central Catholic’s A.J. Beatty, who announced more Division 1 offers than any WPIAL football recruit in the 2020 class, cut his long list down to one.
Aliquippa linebacker Zuriah Fisher adds 5th ACC scholarship offer
Aliquippa linebacker Zuriah Fisher added his fifth ACC offer this week.
Union lineman Aaron Gunn announces Michigan State offer
Union’s Aaron Gunn, a rising junior who’s recruiting stock is also on the rise, announced an offer from Michigan State.
Baseball semifinal sites, times: WPIAL Class 2A finalists rematch at West Mifflin
June 7, 2019
Twelve days after Seton LaSalle defeated Serra Catholic in the WPIAL championship, the section rivals will rematch in the state semifinals.
Softball semifinal sites, times: 6 WPIAL teams 1 victory away from PIAA finals
Hempfield is one win away from its fourth consecutive appearance in the state softball championships.
North Allegheny capitalizes on errors to defeat rival Pine-Richland
June 6, 2019
Twelve errors in three games will eventually catch up to any baseball team, even a talented WPIAL champion.
Pine-Richland sack leader Miguel Jackson announces 1st Division 1 offer
Pine-Richland sack leader Miguel Jackson, who earned all-conference recognition last season as a sophomore, announced his first Division 1 offer Wednesday from Akron.
PIAA postpones 3 softball playoff games, moves Class 6A baseball quarterfinal
The PIAA postponed three softball games scheduled Thursday at Slippery Rock University and moved the North Allegheny vs. Pine-Richland baseball game to a different site.
WPIAL suspends McKeesport basketball assistant 1 year for recruiting
June 5, 2019
McKeesport pays Troy Blackwell to convince charter school students to return to the school district, but the WPIAL ruled Wednesday that the assistant girls basketball coach’s efforts violated recruiting rules.
WPIAL delays eligibility decision on Moon basketball star Donovan Johnson
Donovan Johnson’s senior season remains in limbo.
Central Catholic basketball coach avoids 1-year suspension, must sit 2 games
Central Catholic boys basketball coach Brian Urso avoided a one-year ban for recruiting, but the WPIAL still wants him suspended for a scrimmage and two regular-season games next season.
Softball sites, times: 11 WPIAL teams reach PIAA quarterfinals
June 4, 2019
WPIAL softball champions Laurel, West Greene and Elizabeth Forward will take part in a PIAA playoff tripleheader Thursday at Slippery Rock University.